BUTTERWORTH: Some RM22mil worth of contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages have been seized after three containers were intercepted by the Customers Department at several locations across the state.
Penang Customs director Datuk Rohaizad Ali said the seizures followed weeks of intelligence gathering with coordinated operations carried out on Dec 19.
“Three containers and lorries were seized at different locations in Penang, believed to be carrying smuggled cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, with an estimated value including duties and taxes of RM21.88mil,” he said at a press conference at the Customs Department office in Perai on Wednesday (Jan 21).
He said the inspections in Sungai Bakap, Jawi and Perai uncovered 73,200 cans of beer worth RM631,075.50, as well as more than 20 million sticks of cigarettes valued at over RM21mil, including duties and taxes.
Three local lorry drivers aged between 40 and 50 were arrested, he added.
Datuk Rohaizad said the goods, believed to have originated from Singapore and intended for the local market, are classified as prohibited imports.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
