BINTULU: A covert stash of contraband worth nearly RM2 million was uncovered after customs enforcement officers swooped on an abandoned warehouse here last month.
The raid was carried out by officers from Bintulu Customs enforcement branch on March 30, following gathered intelligence on illegal storage activities at the unmarked premises.
Inside, officers found a staggering haul — 1.92 million sticks of cigarettes and 5,988 litres of liquor — believed to be prohibited imports under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. All items were seized for further investigation.
Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the contraband is estimated to be worth RM473,820, while unpaid duties and taxes amount to RM1,491,192.72, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM1,965,012.72.
Investigations indicate the syndicate used abandoned and unoccupied warehouses as temporary storage hubs before distributing the goods into the local market.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of uncustomed or prohibited goods.
Upon conviction, offenders 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.
In light of this, Norizan called on the public to help curb smuggling activities involving cigarettes, alcohol, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and other contraband.
He stated that such crimes not only drain national revenue but also threaten public safety and national security.
Members of the public are advised to provide information on any smuggling activities by contacting the Customs Toll-Free Hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office in any state.
