Customs seizes RM25.7mil worth of contraband cigarettes, liquor
KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department seized more than RM25.7 million worth of contraband cigarettes and liquor in a series of enforcement operations between July and August.
The Malaysian Customs Department has seized over RM25.7 million worth of contraband cigarettes and liquor in two enforcement operations conducted between July and August. The seizures, under the Ops A.S.A.P II initiative, involved over 26.6 million cigarettes and more than 24,000 litres of liquor, with 445 cases recorded nationwide.
In the first operation, targeting retail outlets in Kuala Lumpur, customs enforcement officers discovered 307,080 cigarettes and 1,255.205 litres of liquor suspected to be non-customs-paid goods. The value of these goods, including duties and taxes, amounted to roughly RM254,627.12 and RM42,128.53, respectively. One person was detained in connection with the investigation.
A second raid in Kuala Lumpur on August 20 saw customs teams seize 14,880 cigarettes and 798.385 litres of liquor hidden inside a lorry parked outside four outlets. The total value of the seized goods, including duties and taxes, was approximately RM24,028.40 and RM38,559.50, respectively. Three individuals were detained for further investigation.
The customs department warned that offenders face severe penalties under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, including substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The department urged the public to report any suspected smuggling activities, emphasizing the financial and security implications of such offenses.
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