Puchong: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have busted a syndicate involved in the smuggling and distribution of untaxed liquor following raids in Puchong and Klang, Selangor, last Thursday. Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department Wildlife Crime Control Bureau/Special Investigation Intelligence Division (WCB/PSK) Commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said five individuals, including two foreign nationals aged between 25 and 35, were arrested during the operation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation resulted in the seizure of 389 crates and 255 boxes of liquor of various brands, two lorries, and five mobile phones, with the total value estimated at RM1,900,926.30. Mohd Zaki said intelligence gathered showed the syndicate had been involved in the storage, distribution, and sale of untaxed liquor since 2024, using areas around Pandamaran, Bukit Tinggi, and Port Klang as its main distribution locations.

He stated that the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. From January to July this year, a total of 21 cases involving untaxed liquor were recorded by the WCB/PSK nationwide, resulting in 43 arrests and seizures valued at RM38.7 million.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation yesterday, the WCB/PSK, in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), rescued 89 protected species of turtles worth RM190,000 in raids conducted in Lunas and Kulim, Kedah. Mohd Zaki reported that a local man in his 30s was arrested in the raid, which led to the seizure of 74 Sulcata tortoises and 15 Yellow Pond Turtles.

Also seized during Operation Bersepadu Khazanah (Brian Exotic) were a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a mobile phone, with the case being investigated under Section 61 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. The integrated operation recorded 53 cases nationwide between January and July this year, resulting in 56 arrests and seizures worth RM93,884,589.00.