SIBU: The Customs Department is expediting efforts to locate suspects involved in illicit cigarettes and liquor in an abandoned house at Lorong Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Sarawak Customs Department director Norizan Yahya said that the case, which occurred on May 7, involved the seizure of illicit cigarettes and liquor or beer worth RM763,874.40, with unpaid taxes valued at RM2,274,537.67.
“We waited three hours for the suspects to retrieve the items. However, they failed to appear at the premises.
“Perhaps they were aware of our presence. We will persist with our investigation until we apprehend the culprits,” he told a press conference at the Customs Department office on Friday.
Regarding the potential involvement of the house owner, Norizan asserted that investigations are ongoing.
“We are currently investigating whether the house owner is linked to the case or not. It is plausible that they were unaware of the illegal activity, given that the house was abandoned.
“Nevertheless, the seizure of these items marks a significant success, as the ‘owner’ is likely to suffer considerable losses, and we have safeguarded a substantial amount of state revenue,” he added.
