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MIRI, 16 April – A bold attempt by a smuggling syndicate to hide suspected illegal cigarettes and liquor in a 20-foot container has been stopped in its tracks by vigilant officers from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Miri.
Acting swiftly on public information, officers from the Land Operations Unit of JKDM’s Enforcement Branch raided a container hidden in the Eastwood Valley Industrial Estate around 8.30 am.
According to Sarawak State Customs Director, Norizan Yahya, the inspection led to a massive seizure of 700,000 white cigarettes of various brands and 1,536 litres of suspected illegal liquor, all without the required tax stamps.
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“The estimated value of the seizure is RM74,372.00, while the unpaid duty and tax total approximately RM492,319.20. This brings the total value of the seized items, including duty and tax, to a staggering RM566,691.20,” he said in a press statement.
The items fall under conditionally prohibited goods as per the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2023, and importing such items requires a valid Import Permit (IP).
The syndicate is believed to have used the container as a hidden storage strategy to avoid detection, a method Customs says is a common modus operandi.
The case is now under investigation under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967, which deals with the illegal import of goods.
Norizan urged the public to continue supporting JKDM’s efforts to combat smuggling, not only involving cigarettes and liquor but also firecrackers, drugs, vehicles, and other contraband.
“Smuggling results in massive losses to the country’s revenue and poses a threat to national safety. We appeal to the public to provide any information through our Customs Toll-Free Line 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office,” he added, assuring that all informant identities will remain confidential.