Customs thwart nine liquor-smuggling attempts worth RM4.15mil

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Customs disrupted nine liquor-smuggling attempts this month, preventing a total of 190,080 litres of alcoholic beverages worth RM4.15 million from entering the country. Customs Director-General Datuk Seri Amran Ahmad disclosed the seizures, all occurring at Sepanggar Port, during a press conference today. The first six cases were identified on August 10 when inspectors at the Customs Examination Area (CEA) flagged containers containing alcoholic beverages worth RM2.67 million, including duties and taxes.

Six containers were seized for further investigation, with their real purpose suspected to be smuggling. Preliminary investigations revealed the containers were likely used to conceal alcoholic beverages disguised as furniture and PVC pipes to evade duties and taxes. Three additional cases were uncovered by the Kota Kinabalu Enforcement Division Operations Team on August 13, uncovering 71,280 litres of beer worth RM1.49 million, including duties and taxes.

The modus operandi involved using legitimate import channels and port logistics to bring in goods suspected of violating customs regulations. The seized alcohol and associated duties and taxes are estimated to be worth RM1.11 million and RM3.04 million, respectively. Under the Customs Act 1967, offences under Section 133(1)(a) can result in a fine of up to RM500,000 and seven years in prison, while a first offence under Section 135(1)(a) may lead to fines between 10 and 20 times the customs duty, up to RM500,000, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.