Customs thwart attempt to smuggle six containers of alcohol

PORT KLANG: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) thwarted an attempt to smuggle six containers of liquor worth about RM396,000 through several raids at the North Port last month.

JKDM deputy director-general (Enforcement/Compliance) Datuk Abdullah Jaapar said155,040 litres of liquor were seized in the raids which were conducted between Feb 14 and 22.

He said a local man in his 30s believed to be the agent for the shipments was detained.

"Six containers filled with liquor which is a banned item under Item 3, Third Schedule/Part 1 of the Customs (Prohibition on Imports) Order 2017 were detained. The amount of duty involved is estimated at RM2,294,001.60.

"Some of the goods were placed behind other items in an attempt to fool the authorities during inspections," he told reporters at Wisma Kastam Pulau Indah, here today.

Abdullah said the case would be investigated under Section 135(1)(a) 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 of the value of the goods or RM500,000 whichever is higher or jail for five years or both.

He also urged the public to assist JKDM to combat smuggling specifically cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs, vehicles and so on by channelling relevant information to the customs via toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855.

-- BERNAMA