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KUCHING, March 26 – The Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak has successfully busted a major cigarette smuggling operation, seizing over 16 million sticks of ‘kretek’ (clove-laced tobacco) in a high-impact raid last month.
Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya revealed that this was one of the biggest cigarette smuggling cases recorded, with the illicit goods valued at an estimated RM12.64 million, including unpaid duties and taxes.
A lorry suspected to be used for transporting the contraband was also seized, estimated to be worth RM80,000. Additionally, a 44-year-old local suspect was arrested for further investigation.
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Smuggling Tactics Uncovered
The smugglers used deceptive import declarations to bring the illicit cigarettes into Sarawak through various ports.
“They falsely declared the shipments as textiles and other goods to avoid detection,” Norizan disclosed during a press conference at Wisma Kastam today.
Raid at Storage Warehouse
The successful operation took place on Feb 12 at around 9.30am at a premises along Jalan Semaba, Mile 5, Kuching. The location served as a storage warehouse for the illegal cigarettes before they were distributed to the local market.
“During the raid, Customs officers discovered 16,656,000 sticks of ‘kretek’ cigarettes of various brands stored at the premises,” said Norizan.
Syndicate’s Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed that the syndicate’s strategy involved storing smuggled cigarettes in remote areas before distributing them to retailers.
The case is being investigated under:
✅ Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a penalty of up to RM500,000 in fines or up to five years imprisonment, or both.
✅ Section 74(1)(a) of the Excise Act 1976, which involves evading excise duty by fraud, also carrying a fine of up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The Sarawak Customs Department urged the public to provide information on smuggling activities to help curb illicit trade and protect national revenue. – The Borneo Post