PETALING JAYA: A smuggling syndicate’s tactic of using a shipping container as a makeshift storage facility for illicit cigarettes was foiled when the Customs Department raided the site.
Kuala Lumpur Customs Department director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said officers found 2,402,000 sticks of contraband cigarettes worth an estimated RM2.07mil during a 3am inspection on July 9.
"Following intelligence work that began around midnight, our team raided a container parking area in Jalan Telekom, Kampung Johan Setia, Klang, and discovered the suspected contraband," he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Complex on Wednesday (Aug 13).
Wan Norizan said the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled in via sea routes.
"No arrests were made during the operation, and investigations are ongoing," he said.
He added that importing such goods requires an import licence and tax stamps approved by the Customs director-general, in line with Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019.
"The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of uncustomed or prohibited goods," he said.
Urging the public to help combat smuggling, especially of cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles, Wan Norizan reminded that such crimes cause revenue losses to the nation and pose threats to public safety and security.
"As of June this year, KL Customs recorded 160 cigarette-related cases, with seizures worth around RM35mil.
"The public can report smuggling activities to the toll-free Customs hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. All information will be kept confidential," he said.
