SARIKEI: Customs seized contraband beer amounting to 3,960 litres and four million cigarettes from a lorry traveling along Jalan KJD Sibu Jaya-Kanowit last month.
Sarawak Customs Enforcement division chief Suhaimi Yusoff said the seizure was made on Sept 14 at around 2.30 pm.
Acting on intelligence provided by the Sarawak Zone 6 Intelligence Centre, an enforcement team from Sarikei Customs detained and thoroughlyinspected a lorry by the roadside.
“It revealed that the lorry was transporting various brands of beer and cigarettes suspected of not having been cleared by the Customs.
“The contraband goods were believed to be destined for the local market.
“The seized goods were estimated at RM459,998 and unpaid duties and taxes amounted to RM2,737,894.80,” he said in a statement.
The lorry driver was arrested to facilitate investigations under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries severe penalties, including fines of up to RM500,000 or up to 20 times the value of the goods, whichever is greater, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
All confiscated goods have been handed over to the Sibu Customs enforcement branch for further investigation.
In light of this operation, Suhaimi urged the public to collaborate with the department in combating smuggling, particularly of cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers and drugs.
