PETALING JAYA: Two separate raids conducted within three hours have dismantled a counterfeit alcohol distribution and processing network, resulting in the arrest of seven foreign nationals and seizures worth over RM220,000.
Federal police Wildlife Crime Control Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the "Ops Taring Alpha 2" operation uncovered assorted alcoholic beverages, untaxed cigarettes and subsidised cooking oil.
The first raid took place at 3.30pm on Wednesday (April 15) in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan, following intelligence sharing between the police and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN).
“Five individuals were detained, comprising four Nepalese nationals, including a woman, and one Myanmar man. We also seized 95 boxes of assorted alcoholic beverages, six boxes of subsidised cooking oil and 18 cartons of untaxed cigarettes,” Mohd Zaki said in a statement on Thursday (April 16).
Information from the first raid led to a second operation at 5.45pm the same day in Beranang, Selangor.
“The second raid led to the arrest of two men, a Myanmar national and an Indian national, who were believed to be transferring boxes containing suspected counterfeit alcoholic beverages. Also seized were 69 boxes of assorted alcoholic beverages and 22 units of machinery and labels,” he said.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects failed to produce valid work permits or licences for alcohol production. The arrests and items have been handed over to Seremban and Kajang district police.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1957, the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Control of Supplies Act 1961.
