Johor police dismantle a counterfeit liquor syndicate, seizing RM1.7 million in goods and arresting four suspects in raids across Kulai and Senai.
KULAI: Johor police have dismantled a syndicate involved in bottling and storing untaxed alcohol, seizing counterfeit liquor and related items worth RM1.7 million.
The raids were conducted in Kulai and Senai following intelligence gathering by the General Operations Force.
In the first raid at a premises in Taman Mewah, Kulai, police arrested two Myanmar men and a Myanmar woman aged between 20 and 30.
Officers seized three 200-litre drums of alcohol concentrate and several modified drums filled with suspected blended counterfeit liquor.
Police also confiscated a 1,000-litre drum containing about 500 litres of suspected counterfeit liquor, along with flavouring agents and bottling equipment.
Additionally, 203 boxes of assorted liquor brands, 50 boxes of empty bottles, and suspected fake customs and brand labels were seized.
A subsequent raid at a storage facility in Taman Senai Utama led to the arrest of a 26-year-old local man.
During this operation, police confiscated 414 boxes of various liquor brands and a Toyota Hiace van.
Johor police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the counterfeit liquor was believed to be sold locally for between RM50 and RM60 per bottle.
He stated the syndicate mainly targeted foreign customers, and police have identified its suspected processing site in Johor.
The total seizure value comprised RM923,500 worth of liquor, RM665,045 in unpaid taxes, RM8,100 in equipment and RM80,000 for the vehicle.
All suspects have been remanded until Feb 12 as investigations proceed under the Customs Act 1967, Excise Act 1976 and Immigration Act 1959/63.
