SIBU: Customs enforcement officers have seized a cache of duty-not-paid cigarettes worth RM1.51 million during a raid at a premises along Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman last month.
Sarawak Customs Department director Norizan Yahya said the operation was carried out at around 10.50 am on Jan 25.
“The team discovered numerous boxes containing a total of 2,000,000 cigarettes stored in the premises.
“The cigarettes are valued at RM180,000, with unpaid duties and taxes is estimated at RM1,338,000,” he said.
No arrests were made by the enforcement team.
Norizan pointed out that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved using the premises as a storage facility to keep and hide contraband goods before distributing them to local customers.
“Cigarettes are a conditionally prohibited item where the importation is subject to an import permit under Item 1, Third Schedule, Part II of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023,” he said.
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.
Norizan urged the public to assist the Customs Department in combating smuggling crimes involving cigarettes, liquor, fireworks, drugs, vehicles and others.
Smuggling not only causes revenue losses for the country but also poses a threat to national security and public well-being.
