KUCHING: Customs enforcement officers seized a cache of duty-not-paid cigarettes, beers and liquors worth RM346,075.67 from a premises at Kenyalang Park last week.
Sarawak Customs Department director Norizan Yahya said the raid, based on public tip-off, was conducted around 11.00 am on July 17.
The team managed to find numerous boxes that contained a total of uncustomed 68,888 cigarettes and 7,939.93 litres of beers and liquors, kept in the premises.
“The contraband are valued around RM140,924.16 and the unpaid duties and taxes are estimated to be worth RM205,151.51.
“During the raid, the team also arrested a 19-year-old man, who admitted to being a worker in the premises, to facilitate investigations,” he said.
Norizan pointed out that the modus operandi used is to store and hide contraband goods in a secluded premises before they are distributed to local customers.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to five years or both, upon conviction.
Following this, members of the public are urged to help the department to combat drug smuggling and smuggling of other goods as they deprive the country of revenue, and also pose a threat to national security.
The public is advised to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling by contacting the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office.
