MIRI: Sarawak Customs seized more than RM2.36 million worth of contraband cigarettes and liquor in two separate raids here on July 30 following intelligence-led operations.
State Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said enforcement teams intercepted a lorry and later raided a container, uncovering millions of untaxed cigarettes and nearly 1,000 litres of liquor.
“In the first operation at about 9 am, officers from the Land Operations Unit (Delta) stopped a Daihatsu Delta lorry parked near the SESCO substation at Pujut 6.
“Checks on the lorry uncovered 1,050,000 sticks of white cigarettes suspected to be contraband stored inside the vehicle.
“Cigarettes are categorised as restricted items under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, requiring an import permit,” he said during a press conference at Customs Office here yesterday (Aug 29).
Norizan added that just 40 minutes later, another team (Charlie) struck at Eastwood Industrial Park where a 20-foot container was being used as storage.
“Checks on the container led to the discovery of 1,970,000 sticks of white cigarettes and 997.92 litres of liquor, suspected to be contraband stored inside.
“Both cigarettes and liquor are categorised as restricted items under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, which require an import permit,” he said.
Norizan said both cases were being investigated under Section 135(1) of the Customs Act 1967, which provided for fines of up to RM500,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both.
He urged the public to assist in the fight against smuggling, noting that such crimes drained national revenue and posed risks to security.
Members of the public can channel information through the Customs toll-free line 1-800-88-8855, with assurances that informants’ identities will remain confidential.
