RM1.3 million smuggled fags seized
Published on: Monday, March 25, 2024
By: Marutin Ansiung
Mohd Nasir and his officers showing the seized items.
KENINGAU: The Customs Department intercepted an attempt to transport numerous brands of contraband cigarettes at KM40 Jalan Tenom-Sipitang, here, March 16.
Sabah Zone Customs Assistant Director Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman said their patrol team inspected an Isuzu lorry suspected of carrying prohibited goods at 6am.
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The goods were believed to be from Lawas based on the address on the lorry and meant for distribution in the Keningau market.
“Inspections led to the discovery of 100,000 packs containing 2,000,000 sticks of cigarettes weighing 1,920kg,” he told a media conference at the Customs Office here, Sunday.
The goods are projected to cost RM160,000 in taxes and RM1,336,000 in duties. The total seizure, which included the lorry, amounted to RM1,566,000.
He said that this is the largest seizure in Keningau and Sabah this year, as well as in prior years.
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He said the lorry was found empty except for its goods and that the driver was believed to have fled when he became aware of their presence.
He added that efforts are being made to identify the owner of the goods.
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The modus operandi in this case is to transfer the products early in the morning during the weekend.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1) (e) of the Customs Act of 1967, which involves a fine of 10 to 20 times the value of the goods, jail for up to three years, or both if convicted.
On that note, he said the Department remains committed to dealing with smuggling activities.
He urged the public to aid the Department in combating smuggling activities involving contraband, firecrackers, autos and drugs.
He also asked the public not to engage in smuggling activities, which would result in revenue loss for the country and pose a threat to national security and the well-being of its citizens.
He advised anyone with information to call the Toll Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or visit the nearest Customs Office.
He said informants’ identities would be kept confidential.
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