KUCHING: Customs enforcement officers seized a large cache of duty-not-paid cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth RM5.21 million in three raids conducted two months ago.
Sarawak Customs Department director Norizan Yahya said the operations, carried out based on intelligence gathering, took place at 9.20 am, 9.30 am and 10.15 am on Feb 24.
He said the three premises around Kuching were suspected of being used as storage hubs for illicit goods.
“In the first raid, the Kuching Land Operation Enforcement Unit stormed a warehouse at Muara Tabuan Light Industrial Park, and discovered 69,461.82 litres of alcoholic beverages stored in numerous boxes.
“Meanwhile, the second raid led to finding of 508,000 sticks of assorted cigarettes and 14,775.95 litres of alcoholic beverages inside a premises and a lorry at Kenyalang Park.
“In the third operation, the same unit raided an unnumbered warehouse at Mile 13, Jalan Kuching-Serian and seized 1,263,600 sticks of assorted cigarettes as well as 475.20 litres of alcoholic beverages,” he said in a statement.
All the seized goods are valued at RM2,194,710.72, with unpaid duties and taxes estimated at RM3,017,150.37,
Norizan revealed that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using the premises and a lorry to conceal and transport the contraband.
“Cigarettes and alcoholic beverages are conditionally prohibited items, where the importation is subject to an import permit under the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to five years or both, upon conviction.
Norizan urged the public to assist the Customs Department in combating smuggling crimes involving cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, drugs, vehicles and others.
Smuggling not only causes revenue losses for the country but also poses a threat to national security and public well-being.
