Kota Bharu: The Kelantan Customs Department seized more than 1.72 million contraband cigarettes of various types, worth a total of RM1.48 million, from a house in Kampung Babong on May 7.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the department’s director, Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long, stated that the raid was conducted by members of the Kota Bharu enforcement branch’s operations team at 10:30 am. The operation resulted in the seizure of the cigarettes from both the house and the boot of a Toyota Inova at the location.

Wan Jamal explained that the modus operandi involved using the rented house to store the contraband cigarettes before distributing them to customers using the vehicle. He highlighted that the total value of the seized cigarettes, including tax, amounted to RM1.48 million. The case is currently under investigation under Section 135(1)(e) and Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.

The director also urged the public to assist in combating smuggling by providing information regarding any related activities.