Penang customs busts smuggling syndicate, seizing over 20 million cigarette sticks and 73,200 cans of liquor in three separate container operations.
BUTTERWORTH: The Penang branch of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department has busted a cigarette and liquor smuggling syndicate. Goods and evaded taxes seized in the operation are valued at RM21.88 million.
State Customs director Datuk Rohaizad Ali said the operations were carried out on December 19 last year. Inspections were conducted on three containers at separate locations across the state.
“The first container was intercepted at the Sungai Bakap rest and service area,” he said. The inspection uncovered 73,200 cans of beer-type liquor, estimated to be worth RM631,075.50 including duty.
Inspections of the second and third containers led to the discovery of more than 20 million sticks of cigarettes. The cigarettes, of various brands, are estimated to be worth over RM21.24 million including duty.
One container was inspected at a warehouse in the Sungai Jawi area. The other was inspected at a location in Perai.
Rohaizad added that three local lorry drivers, aged in their 40s and 50s, were detained to assist in the investigation. All three containers and the lorries used were also seized.
Preliminary investigations found all three containers arrived at the North Butterworth Container Terminal from Singapore. The goods were not declared.
“All the cigarettes and liquor are believed to have been intended for the local market, but investigations are still ongoing,” he said.
He added the cigarettes and liquor were classified as prohibited imports. Further investigations are being carried out to identify those involved, including the possibility of insider involvement.
The cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.
