BUTTERWORTH: Penang Customs has seized 1,332 cartons of prohibited fireworks and firecrackers worth over RM300,000 and detained a 64-year-old man at the Prai Industrial Area in Taman Nagasari.
Penang Customs director Rohaizad Ali the man was held during an operation on March 11 and March 12 at a warehouse in the industrial area where they found seven containers.
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"In the seven containers were 1,332 cartons or 28,780kg of fireworks and firecrackers of various brands without a permit," he told a press conference at the Bagan Jermal Enforcement Storage Facility here on Tuesday (March 25).
Rohaizad said investigations found that the fireworks and firecrackers did not meet the specifications and guidelines set in import permits issued by the Home Ministry.
The value of the confiscated firecrackers and fireworks amounted to RM360,767.50, with duties amounting to almost RM600,000, he added.
He said the suspect was believed to be the owner of the prohibited goods but the department is still verifying this.
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The matter is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for storing prohibited goods, Rohaizad added.
He urged the public to assist Customs in fighting smuggling, especially involving cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, drugs and vehicles.
"Smuggling not only results in loss of revenue to the country but also poses a threat to national security and the people's well-being," he said.
