KUCHING: A massive stockpile of duty-unpaid beers worth an estimated RM26.6 million has been seized, while three Indonesian men were arrested after police dismantled a suspected beer smuggling operation in the city.
The raid, carried out under ‘Ops Taring Alpha 2’, was the result of intelligence gathered by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on smuggling and distribution of untaxed alcoholic beverages in Sarawak.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the integrated operation was conducted on July 3 by officers from the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence (WCB/PSK), with assistance from Padawan Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
The team raided a premises in Kuching at around 2.15 pm, where three Indonesian men, all aged 35, were detained.
“Searches uncovered 69,472 cartons of various 1602 Life Beer products, comprising Smooth Lager, Pure Lager, Pale Ale, Golden Lager, Lager Fresh, Lager and Extra Dark in both 330ml and 630ml packaging.
“Police also seized three shipping containers carrying another 6,895 cartons of duty-unpaid beer, along with two semi-trailers and two Toyota forklifts believed to have been used in the smuggling activity.
“The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM26,624,618,” he said.
He stated that the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possessing and storing duty-not-paid goods.
Upon conviction, first-time offenders face a fine of up to 20 times the amount of customs duty or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Mohd Yusri said the operation reflects PDRM’s continued commitment to cracking down on smuggling and customs-related offences, which not only deprive the government of revenue but also have the potential to fuel cross-border crime and threaten public safety.
“Police will not compromise with individuals involved in the smuggling of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, controlled or subsidised goods, or any other activities that undermine national interests and public well-being,” he said.
From Jan 1 to July 4, the WCB/PSK under Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department have carried out 199 raids nationwide, leading to the arrest of 374 individuals for offences involving duty-unpaid goods, leakage of controlled and subsidised items, wildlife smuggling and illegal e-waste activities.
In the same period, authorities recorded total seizures valued at RM258.52 million.
