Kedah Customs seizes RM700,754 worth of firecrackers, fireworks

The Kedah Customs Department seized 39,333 boxes of fireworks and firecrackers of various types from Thailand worth RM700,754 including tax during an operation dubbed ''Ops Bersih'' last week.

Its director, Johari Alifiah, said the seizure was made after a container lorry bearing a Thailand registration number was stopped for inspection at the Fisheries Department Authority of Malaysia Complex, Bukit Kayu Hitam at 8.30pm on April 30.

"Upon inspection, we found 23,979 kg of firecrackers and fireworks estimated at RM440,726 with unpaid tax of RM260,082," he told reporters at a press conference at the Customs Enforcement office here today.

He said the lorry driver, a 46-year-old Malaysian man, was arrested.

Initial investigations revealed that container was declared as carrying Listerine mouthwash, he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 135 (1) € of the Customs Act 1967.

-- BERNAMA