IPOH: The Perak Customs Department has seized about half a million ringgit worth of hard liquor at the Integrated Custom Inspection Centre (ICIC) in Port Klang, Selangor.
Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad, the director of the Perak Customs Department, stated that a raid was conducted at the ICIC, resulting in the discovery of hard liquor being stored in boxes at the port on Dec 28 around 12.30pm.
It was reported that approximately 2,880 litres of hard liquor, amounting to 3,840 bottles, had been confiscated with an estimated value of RM515,000.
“The Pengkalan Hulu Customs branch led the seizure and foiled the attempt to smuggle hard liquor into the port,” Abdul Ghafar said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 3).
He added that a 38-year-old local man was arrested to aid in the investigation.
Abdul Ghafar mentioned that the case falls under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act, which is punishable according to Section 135(1)(v)(aa) of the same Act.
He further explained that first-time offenders could face a fine of up to 20 times the value of the seized items or RM500,000, whichever is higher, and could also be sentenced to up to five years in jail.
The Customs Department has observed that a significant amount of products, particularly cigarettes and hard liquor, are being illegally imported and sold online. As a result, they are committed to combating this illegal importation, believing that there are still undeclared goods entering the country.
Abdul Ghafar urged the public to help the Customs Department in addressing the smuggling of cigarettes, hard liquor, fireworks, drugs, and cars, emphasizing the financial losses and potential threats to the country and its citizens caused by smuggling activities.
He also advised individuals not to engage in such activities and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or visit the nearest Customs Department in all states.
