The Customs Department has discovered over 2.08 million undeclared cigarettes hidden in three residential properties. Customs Enforcement and Compliance deputy director-general Datuk Sazali Mohamad revealed that the seized contraband, valued at approximately RM625,000, was found in houses located in Jerantut, Pahang and Marang, Terengganu on September 12. The clove and white cigarettes were evading declared duties amounting to RM2.58 million. Sazali suspects that the cigarettes were imported from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The raid was initiated based on a tip-off from members of the public, which was followed by two weeks of intelligence gathering. Sazali stated that investigations are ongoing under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. The authorities aim to identify the owners of the residences involved in this illicit activity. The offense is subject to a minimum fine of 10 times the value of the seized items or RM100,000, whichever is higher. Additionally, penalties may extend up to 20 times the amount or RM500,000, and a prison term ranging from six months to five years.
In a separate incident, the department thwarted an attempt to smuggle illegal cigarettes from Malaysia to Singapore via the Causeway. On September 6, a shipment of 830,000 white cigarettes, worth RM166,000, was discovered on a lorry at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine Complex checkpoint. The unpaid duties for these cigarettes were estimated at RM564,000. The products were intended for sale in Singapore, having been imported from China.
The 39-year-old lorry driver involved in the smuggling operation was arrested. He confessed to the charges and was sentenced to six months of imprisonment by the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court on September 19.
Sazali urged the public to report any information regarding smuggling activities to the department’s toll-free number, 1800-88-8855, or by visiting the nearest Customs office.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
