PETALING JAYA: Police have smashed a contraband cigarette smuggling ring, seizing items worth RM1.49mil following three raids in the Klang Valley.
Ops Taring Alpha 1 was carried out on Saturday, starting with the first raid in Taman Seri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur, followed by another raid in Semenyih, Selangor, and later another one in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya.
The raids were held by Bukit Aman’s Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation under the General Operations Force, Internal Security and Public Order Department.
“In the first raid, our 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 believed to have avoided duty payment,” said commander Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar (pic).
Preliminary questioning of the suspect led the team to a location in Semenyih, which was believed to have been used as a temporary storage facility before the cigarettes were distributed, he said in a statement yesterday.
SAC Mohd Zaki said 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 seized two vehicles, mobile phones and RM26,415 in cash believed to be linked to the activity.
The seizures were valued at RM360,400 in the first raid, RM911,680 in the second and RM219,413 in the third.
“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 indicated that the premises raided were used as temporary storage locations before the cigarettes were sent to premises around Kuala Lumpur.
“Investigations are 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.
“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, the team 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 said there would be no compromise against those involved in smuggling, illegal wildlife trade or cross-border crime.
