SIBU: The Customs Department seized 18,216 litres of contraband alcohol from a cargo truck near Pasai-Siong junction, Jalan Sibu-Bintulu recently.
Customs Sarawak director Herman Shah Abdullah said the seizure was carried out during an operation by its enforcement unit on Feb 1.
The team found various duty-not-paid alcoholic beverages inside the truck which is believed for sale during the coming Chinese New Year celebration.
“Two men suspected of transporting and moving uncustomed goods via a cargo truck were arrested.
“The value of the seizures was estimated at about RM260,000 with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to over RM272,000,” he said.
The individuals and seized items will be investigated under Section 135 (1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting and moving duty-not-paid goods or prohibited items.
If convicted, an individual can be fined not less than 10 times the amount of customs duty or RM100,000, whichever is more, or imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than five years, or both.
Herman urged the public to assist the department in the fight against smuggling activities while also advising against engaging in them.
He pointed out that smuggling not only harms the country in terms of revenue lost, but also poses a threat to national security and wellbeing of the people.
