BINTULU: Customs enforcement officers seized a cache of smuggled cigarettes and beers worth RM2.4 million from an unnumbered premises at Kemena Industrial Estate, Jalan Bintulu-Tatau last week.
Sarawak Customs Department director Norizan Yahya said the raid was conducted by Bintulu Customs enforcement branch around 10.05 am on May 10.
The team uncovered numerous boxes concealed within the abandoned premises, containing a total of 2,580,000 illicit cigarettes and 6,147.36 litres of beer.
“Further examinations found that the seized cigarettes and beers had no tax stamps.
“No arrests were made despite the team waiting for almost an hour for a representative or owner of the goods to claim ownership.
“The contraband goods are valued around RM550,807.75 and its unpaid duties and taxes is estimated to be worth RM1,863,976.55,” he said in a statement.
Norizan said the syndicate’s modus operandi is to turn the empty premises into a transit storage to keep contraband goods before they are distributed to the local market.
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.
