Norizan (centre) and his officers with some of the seized contraband. – BERNAMApic
KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle more than RM12.6mil worth of cigarettes of various brands at a premises along Jalan Semaba here.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said during the raid, conducted at around 9.30am on Feb 12, authorities arrested a 44-year-old local man.
"An inspection of the premises uncovered 16,656,000 sticks of kretek cigarettes of various brands, stored at the location.
"The estimated value of the seized cigarettes is RM1,499,040, while the total duty and tax involved is approximately RM11,142,864.
"Additionally, a lorry believed to have been used for transporting the contraband was seized, with an estimated value of RM80,000,” he told a press conference here on Wednesday (March 26).
Norizan added that the premises, located in a remote area, was believed to have been used as a storage facility for smuggled goods before distribution locally.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine between RM100,000 and RM500,000, imprisonment of six months to five years, or both, upon conviction.
"The public is urged to assist Customs in combating smuggling activities, particularly involving cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and other contraband. They are also cautioned against participating in such illegal activities.
"Smuggling not only results in revenue losses for the country, but also poses a threat to national security and public well-being,” he said.
The public can report any smuggling activities by contacting the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. All informants' identities are kept confidential. – Bernama
