By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 8: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Sarawak has successfully dismantled a smuggling syndicate involving contraband cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth RM1,626,379.58, including duties and taxes.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said the seizures were made during three separate raids on Feb 25, conducted by the Enforcement Division’s Land Operations Unit in Kuching.
The total value of the seized items was RM708,913.51, while the estimated duties and taxes came up to RM917,466.07.
The first case involved a raid at a premises located at Batu 9, Jalan Penrissen at about 9am.
“The premises were suspected to have been used to store and sell untaxed cigarettes and alcohol.
“Authorities discovered 120,740 sticks of white and ‘kretek’ (clove-flavoured Indonesian) cigarettes of various brands without tax stamps, along with 6,826.27 litres of liquor believed to be uncustomed,” said Norizan at a press conference held at Wisma Kastam in Petra Jaya here today.
In the second case, a raid was conducted at around 9.45am at a premises in Batu Kawa New Township, which was also believed to be used as a storage and sales centre.
During the operation, enforcement officers found 2,776.25 litres of liquor suspected to be uncustomed.
The third case took place at about 10.40am at a premises in Taman Maihiah, which was allegedly used for storing and distributing uncustomed cigarettes and alcohol.
The raid resulted in the seizure of 331,520 sticks of white and kretek cigarettes and 13,681.92 litres of alcoholic beverages.
“All three cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
“If convicted, offenders may face a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years, or both,” added Norizan.
He further urged members of the public to assist in efforts to curb smuggling activities, particularly those involving cigarettes, liquor, drugs, fireworks, and vehicles.
Norizan also reminded the public to refrain from getting involved in such illegal activities, as smuggling not only results in national revenue losses but also poses a threat to national security and public safety.
“The public can channel any information related to smuggling activities to the Customs Department via the toll-free hotline 1-800-88-8855 or by contacting the nearest Customs office. The identity of all informants will be kept strictly confidential,” he said. — DayakDaily
