KUCHING: The Sarawak Customs Department thwarted an attempt to smuggle in various brands of liquor and goods early this month.
The department’s director Norizan Yahya said the seizure was made around 2.25 pm on June 7 at Senari Port
A team from Kuching Land Operations Unit and Senari Port Customs Division, inspected a 40-foot container at the Customs Examination Area (CEA).
“Scanner images revealed shapes resembling liquor bottles in the container. Further examinations led to the discovery of 1,664 bottles of assorted liquor with tax stamps that were not declared in the Customs Form No. 3.
“Approximately 732 litres of liquor, estimated to be worth RM270,300 including duties and taxes worth RM58,417.09, were brought in without a Movement Limit Approval as prescribed under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) Order 2022.
“In addition, the goods found in the container were not fully declared,” he said in a statement, adding that the container along with the goods were seized as evidence.
The total value of the confiscated goods and liquor bottles is estimated at RM672,410, involving duties and taxes worth RM123,604.93.
Norizan said the modus operandi involved false declarations without detailing each item as required and bringing in liquor bottles mixed with other declared goods in the same container to evade detection.
The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) and Section 138 of the Customs Act 1967 for making an incorrect declaration and failing to comply with the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) Order 2022.
Following this, members of the public are urged to help the department to combat drug smuggling and smuggling of other goods as they deprive the country of revenue, and also pose a threat to national security.
They can report any suspicious activities related to smuggling via the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
