Kuala Lumpur:The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) has successfully prevented the smuggling and sale of illicit cigarettes and liquor, with the estimated value, including duties and taxes, reaching RM25.77 million. This operation took place between July and August, as announced by Customs assistant director-general (enforcement) Raizam Setapa.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this success was achieved through three operations: Ops Keras 1, Ops Keras 2, and Ops A.S.A.P II, which targeted the illegal trade of cigarettes and alcohol.

Ops Keras 1, conducted on July 27 by the Selangor JKDM Enforcement Division in collaboration with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Special Task Force Team, led to a raid on two outlets along Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur. The operation uncovered 307,080 sticks of cigarettes and 1,255.205 litres of liquor, with a value of RM296,755 including duties and taxes. An individual was detained, and investigations are ongoing.

In Ops Keras 2, the JKDM Enforcement Divisions of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), along with the Trade Fraud Investigation Unit from the Putrajaya Headquarters, IRB, and MOF, raided four outlets and inspected a lorry along Jalan Kuchai Maju, Kuala Lumpur, on August 20. This led to the seizure of 14,880 sticks of cigarettes and 798.385 litres of liquor, valued at RM62,587.90 including duties and taxes. Three individuals were detained for further investigation.

Ops A.S.A.P II, instructed by the JKDM Headquarters Enforcement Division, focused nationwide on contraband items. It recorded 445 cases involving 26.31 million sticks of cigarettes and 22,184.47 litres of liquor, with an estimated value of RM25.40 million including duties and taxes. All these cases remain under investigation.

The operations revealed that the modus operandi included concealing goods at secluded locations or in vehicles parked outside business outlets, with the contraband sold at prices below market rates.

These cases are being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which imposes penalties including fines, imprisonment, or both upon conviction. Raizam also encouraged the public to report smuggling activities involving various goods through the Customs toll-free hotline, public complaints website, or the nearest Customs office.