Kuala lumpur: The Kuala Lumpur Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) uncovered the storage and sale of untaxed cigarettes and liquor worth RM1.95 million when it conducted two special operations around the Klang Valley.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KL Customs director Wan Norizan Wan Daud stated that the operations, conducted by the Enforcement Division under Ops Tembok Besar and Ops Akur in July and August, resulted in the seizure of goods worth RM677,625.78, while the estimated duties and taxes involved amounted to RM1,273,049.18. A total of 38 investigation papers have been opened, and 38 persons of interest were detained to assist in investigations.
Wan Norizan elaborated that Ops Tembok Besar, conducted at 40 premises, including in Cheras and Balakong from July 27 to 31, targeted the storage and sale of illicit white cigarettes and liquor. Inspections led to the seizure of goods worth RM256,121.62, with duties and taxes estimated at RM350,936.54, taking the total value of the seizures to RM607,058.16. Eighteen investigation papers were opened, and 16 individuals, including five foreign nationals, were arrested.
She highlighted that the illicit goods were marketed through restaurants and convenience stores to known customers. On the other hand, Ops Akur, conducted at 35 premises, including in Bukit Beruntung and Bukit Bintang from August 10 to 14, focused on enforcing Public House Licences and cracking down on illicit liquor sales at entertainment centers and illegal distilleries.
The value of goods seized under Ops Akur was estimated at RM421,504.16, with duties and taxes amounting to RM922,112.64, taking the total value of the seizures to RM1,343,616.80. Twenty investigation papers were opened and 22 individuals, including 11 foreign nationals, were detained. The detained individuals comprised 19 men and three women, aged between their 20s and 40s, who worked at the premises.
Wan Norizan revealed that investigations found the modus operandi involved storing liquor stock at separate premises to avoid detection by enforcement authorities and selling the liquor at prices lower than market rates. The cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, and for illegal distilling, fermenting, or manufacturing activities, under Section 74(1)(f) of the Excise Act 1976.
She urged the public to assist in combating smuggling by providing information via the Customs toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office, assuring that informants' identities would be kept strictly confidential.