SIBU: Police have dismantled a syndicate involved in the smuggling, distribution, and sale of duty-not-paid beers, seizing RM15.14 million worth of contraband in a raid last week.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kaszim said the operation, codenamed ‘Ops Taring Alpha 2’, was conducted at two premises in this town last Monday.
“Two local men, aged 32 and 41, were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the smuggling and distribution of contraband beers.
“During the raid, police seized 15,800 cartons of SGN Finest Export Beer, 1,300 cartons of KGB Lager Beer, two forklifts, three bonded lorries, a car, and a phone.
“The total seizure is valued at RM15,147,936.40,” he said in a statement.
Azmi added that the arrests and seizures had successfully dismantled an active syndicate operating here.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
The raid involved officers from the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence Unit, JKDNKA, Sarawak Marine Police Region 5 (PPMW5), and the Sibu Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
