Syndicates using new tactics to smuggle cigarettes in - Customs D-G

One method used by the syndicates, he said, was not declaring the goods brought in by claiming that the containers were empty so as to avoid the containers from being inspected by Customs officials on duty.

“There are various other methods being used by these syndicates to bring in contraband. Among them being declaring other goods or hiding the contraband cigarettes in between other items that are in the containers,” he told a press conference today.

Abdul Latif said Customs had seized 785 million cigarettes with a tax value of RM539 million from January to Nov 1.

He said they also seized four lorries carrying 11.3 million cigarettes worth RM2.3 million, and involving RM7.7 million in duties, around the Klang Valley and arrested four men - three locals and a foreigner - aged between 32 and 42 - in an operation in Kepong, Batu Caves and Jinjang on Nov 18.

“The cigarettes are believed to have been brought in using containers from neighbouring countries,” he said, adding that the syndicates would transfer the cigarettes from the containers into lorries at secluded spots before distributing them all over the Klang Valley.

The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, he said.

“Cigarette smuggling activities are still happening because there is a high demand for them,” he said, stressing that various operations would continue to be carried out to combat the problem as it affected the country’s revenue.