MUKAH: Police here seized a cargo truck containing 150 cartons of various beer brands during an operation at the Jebungan junction, Jalan Mukah-Balingian last Sunday (May 23).
District police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the operation, codenamed “Ops Integrated Crime Prevention”, was carried out around 12.15 am when a police team spotted a cargo truck believed to be transporting contraband beers at the location.
The team seized the cargo truck for inspection and found the beers inside.
“The 34-year-old driver failed to produce any legal documents to prove that the import duties had been paid.
“As a result, the driver and seizures including the cargo truck valued at RM98,000 were taken to Mukah Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division office for further actions,” he said.
Rizal said such operations would be conducted continuously, especially during festive seasons, to combat smuggling activities in the district.
He urged the public to contact the police if they notice any suspicious activities in their areas.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting goods that do not have valid documents from Customs or do not have import duties from Customs.
The section provides for a fine of up to 20 times the amount of Customs duty or up to RM500,000 or a jail term of up to five years or both if convicted.
