KUALA LUMPUR: A syndicate involved in the storage, sale and distribution of counterfeit and unpaid duty-alcoholic beverages, was crippled following raids in the Klang Valley leading to RM1.66mil worth of seized items.
Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Control Bureau / Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK) commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the operation, codenamed "Ops Taring Alpha 2", was carried out between 2pm and 5pm on June 25.
"We raoided a premises in Kepong Baru, Kuala Lumpur, before intercepting another suspect along Jalan Lebuh, Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya.
"Two suspects, a 22-year-old local man and a 30-year-old Sri Lankan man, were arrested.
"Initial investigations found that the suspects were actively involved in storing, selling and distributing counterfeit and unpaid duty alcoholic beverages of various brands around the Klang Valley," he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 30).
Among the items seized were three lorries, a van, 11,496 cans of alcoholic beverages, and 9,737 bottles of various liquor brands believed to be counterfeit and untaxed, he added.
SAC Mohd Zaki said total value of the seizure, including the vehicles, was estimated at RM1.66mil
"Initial investigations revealed that the local suspect had been working as the syndicate's coordinator and storekeeper since June last year, earning RM3,000 a month.
"He was responsible for arranging the receipt and storage of counterfeit and duty-unpaid liquor supplies based on instructions from the syndicate leader, who has been identified as a local man known as 'Sathiya'," he said.
The Sri Lankan suspect allegedly worked as a storekeeper and transporter since January this year, receiving RM2,500 a month to store and deliver the liquor to customers throughout the Klang Valley. he said.
"We have handed the case to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) for further investigation under Section 102 of the Trade Marks Act 2019 for the alleged misuse of registered trademarks.
"The operation had successfully dismantled the syndicate's distribution network while preventing further losses in government tax revenue through the sale of counterfeit and smuggled alcoholic beverages," he said.
