Latest news with #PenangCustoms
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Illicit cigarettes, liquor worth RM2.67mil seized in Penang
BUTTERWORTH: Penang Customs successfully dismantled two smuggling attempts involving illicit cigarettes and liquor, with the total value including duties and taxes exceeding RM2.67 million, in separate operations conducted in May. State Customs director Rohaizad Ali said the first seizure involved 1.32 million sticks of white cigarettes and kretek found in a parked lorry at a residential area in Bukit Mertajam on May 6. He said officers from the Enforcement Department's Operations Unit inspected the vehicle and discovered the cigarettes, believed to be untaxed, stored in its cargo hold. He said the lorry was abandoned with its keys inside, a suspected modus operandi to avoid detection by authorities. "The total value of the seized goods is estimated at RM431,504, with duties and taxes amounting to around RM1.35 million. "The cigarettes are believed to have been brought in from a neighbouring country," he told newsmen here today. Rohaizad said two men, a lorry driver and co-driver in their 20s and 30s, who were nearby at the time of the raid, were nabbed to assist in the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for a fine of not less than 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, whichever is higher, and not more than 20 times the value or RM500,000, or imprisonment of between six months and five years, or both, upon conviction. In the second case on May 9, Customs officers raided a house in a residential neighbourhood here, where they seized a large quantity of liquor and beer believed to be untaxed. "The seizure involved 15,288 cans of beer and 13,820 bottles of liquor, with an estimated value of RM236,737.20, and total duties and taxes estimated at RM663,027.03," he added. The items are believed to have been temporarily stored at the premises before being distributed to the local market. The case is also being investigated under the same provision of the Customs Act 1967. Rohaizad stressed that both cigarettes and liquor are classified as prohibited import items under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023, and firm action would continue to be taken against all parties involved.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Customs cripples vape smuggling, seizes RM5mil worth of devices and liquids
BUTTERWORTH: The Customs Department seized more than RM5 million worth of electronic cigarette (vape) devices and liquids in two major anti-smuggling operations conducted in April. These are the first such seizures involving vape products this year. The first raid took place at the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) in Penang on April 3, where enforcement officers discovered 14,200 vape devices and 210 litres of vape liquid and gel hidden in a shipping container. Penang Customs director Rohaizad Ali said the shipment, which originated from China, had been falsely declared as plastic materials. "The seized items are estimated to be worth RM1.33 million, with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM205,400," he said at a press conference today. Two suspects — a shipping agent and a Chinese national in their 30s — were detained. Rohaizad said the foreigner admitted that the items belonged to him. A second raid was carried out at Port Klang, Selangor, on April 10, where officers intercepted a shipment containing 71,886 vape devices and 786.5 litres of vape liquids. "The goods in this case were also undeclared, and the container was declared as carrying wallets, belts and similar items," Rohaizad said. The total value of the second seizure is estimated at RM2.8 million, with potential tax and duty losses exceeding RM830,000. A shipping agent, in his 40s, was arrested in connection with the case. Both cases are being investigated under the Customs Act 1967, which provides for fines of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to seven years, or both, for false declarations. Rohaizad stressed that smuggling has serious implications for the nation's economy and security. "We urge the public to play an active role in combating smuggling. "People are encouraged to report any suspicious activities related to the smuggling of cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, fireworks, drugs, vehicles, and other contraband. "We rely heavily on community support to safeguard our borders and protect the nation's interests," he said. Members of the public can provide information confidentially via the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or by contacting their nearest customs office.
