KUALA LUMPUR: Some 104,544 litres of contraband liquor were seized after the Customs Department crippled a major illegal smuggling operation.
The operation was conducted at a warehouse in Sibu, Sarawak at about 12.05am on Monday (Nov 24).
Customs deputy director-general (Enforcement and Compliance) Siti Mang said the operation was conducted following intelligence gathered.
"The raids were conducted by the Customs Operational Battle Ready Assault (Cobra) team and Sarawak Customs.
"During the raid at a warehouse on Lorong Ding Lik Kwong 31A3, officers uncovered six 20-foot containers placed on trailers.
"A preliminary inspection found a substantial amount of liquor believed to be prohibited goods, estimated at 104,544 litres," she said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 27).
Customs officers are still conducting a full inspection of all containers to verify the final quantity, value and taxes involved, she added.
"The importation of liquor requires an Import Permit issued by the Customs director-general. Imported liquor must also bear tax stamps," she added.
Siti said that the containers were allegedly being hidden in the transit warehouse before distribution in an attempt to evade detection by authorities.
"The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possessing, storing or concealing uncustomed or prohibited goods.
"If convicted, offenders may face a minimum fine of 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, whichever is higher, up to a maximum of 20 times the value or RM500,000, or imprisonment between six months and five years, or both," she said.
She urged the public to assist in combating smuggling activities involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, vehicles and other contraband, warning that such crimes not only cause revenue losses but also threaten national security and public welfare.
"Members of the public with information on smuggling are encouraged to contact the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. All informants’ identities will be kept confidential," she said.
