PETALING JAYA: Police arrested two men and uncovered locations believed to have been used to store smuggled cigarettes in three raids in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor on Saturday (Aug 15).
The Ops Taring Alpha 1 operation by Bukit Aman's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK), also led to the seizure of various items believed to be linked to the activity.
WCB/PSK commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the first raid was conducted at about 12.05pm in Taman Seri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur.
He said the second raid was carried out at 3pm in Semenyih, Selangor, followed by the third at 3.30pm in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya.
“In the first raid, the WCB/PSK team arrested a 20-year-old man believed to be acting as a cigarette courier.
“Checks on the vehicle used by the suspect uncovered various cigarettes suspected to be non-duty-paid,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
SAC Mohd Zaki said preliminary questioning of the suspect led the team to another location in Semenyih, which was believed to have been used as a temporary storage facility before the cigarettes were distributed.
“Checks at the second location uncovered a larger quantity of cigarettes.
“In the third raid in Damansara Damai, the team arrested another man, aged 22, who was also believed to be acting as a cigarette courier,” he said.
He said police also seized two vehicles, mobile phones and RM26,415 in cash believed to be linked to the activity.
The value of the seizures from the first, second and third raids was RM360,400, RM911,680 and RM219,413 respectively, bringing the total to RM1,492,223.
“Preliminary investigations found that the two suspects had been involved as cigarette couriers for about four and six months respectively,” he said.
He said initial information also indicated that the premises raided were used as temporary storage locations before the cigarettes were sent to premises around Kuala Lumpur.
“Investigations are also underway to identify other individuals believed to be involved in the network, including those arranging the collection and delivery of the cigarettes through online messaging applications,” he said.
The two men were detained to assist investigations under Section 135(1)(D) of the Customs Act 1967.
“All seized items have been handed over to the relevant investigating officers for further action and investigation,” he said.
SAC Mohd Zaki said that from Jan 1 to Aug 16 this year, WCB/PSK under Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department had conducted 237 raids nationwide.
“A total of 411 individuals were detained for various offences involving the smuggling of non-duty-paid goods, leakage of controlled and subsidised goods, wildlife smuggling and e-waste-related operations.
“The total value of seizures during the period is estimated at RM312,523,899.64,” he said.
He added that there would be no compromise against those involved in smuggling, illegal wildlife trade or cross-border crime.
“WCB/PSK will remain committed to protecting the country’s resources, public safety and national interests through firm, professional and continuous enforcement action,” he said.
