SIBU: The Customs Department uncovered illicit cigarettes and beers worth over RM7.2 million stored in a residential house in Lorong Rantau Panjang Jaya last month.
The raid was carried out at around 9.15 pm on Dec 19 by Sarikei Customs Enforcement Division’s Land Operations Unit, following intelligence received from headquarters.
Sarawak Customs Department director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the operation led to the discovery of 6,766,400 sticks of cigarettes and 89,416.80 litres of assorted beers.
He said the contraband is believed to be uncustomed and prohibited under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.
“The total value of the seized cigarettes and beers is estimated at RM1,209,043.20, while its import duty and tax are valued at RM6,079,411.85.
“Investigations found that the syndicate’s tactic was to stash suspected duty-unpaid cigarettes and beer inside a residential property to stay off the radar of enforcement agencies,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for keeping or possessing uncustomed goods or prohibited imports.
If convicted, offenders may face a fine of up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, whichever is higher, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
Norizan appealed to the public to work with the department to curb smuggling activities involving cigarettes, beers, liquors, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and other contraband.
“Smuggling not only causes revenue losses to the country but also poses threats to national security and public well-being,” he said.
Information on smuggling activities can be channelled to the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office nationwide.
