148 cartons of suspected untaxed cigarettes seized in Hilir Perak

In Hilir Perak, police confiscated 148 cartons of cigarettes suspected to be untaxed, according to a report from TELUK INTAN. The district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Chua Kok Lian, disclosed that the raid took place on a house after receiving intelligence from the Marine Intelligence Unit in Kampung Acheh, Sitiawan, under Operation Taring Landai (Op Contraband).

The inspection of the premises uncovered numerous boxes of cigarettes bearing various brands, which appeared to lack valid Customs duty stamps. These items were subsequently transported to the Hilir Perak district police headquarters for further examination. The investigation is being conducted under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.

Chua emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the source of the cigarettes, the individuals involved, and the distribution network. Those found guilty could face fines equivalent to at least ten times the customs duty amount, up to RM500,000, or imprisonment ranging from six months to five years, or both. Chua implored the public to refrain from engaging in the possession, storage, sale, or distribution of untaxed goods, as well as avoiding involvement as intermediaries.

He assured the public that the Hilir Perak police would persist in operations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement actions to curb smuggling and the distribution of contraband within the district.