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Over RM13mil of illicit cigs seized from truck on MEX highway

Over RM13mil of illicit cigs seized from truck on MEX highway

The Star2 days ago
SEPANG: Police seized more than RM13mil in contraband cigarettes following the arrest of two men during an operation in Cyberjaya.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Shazeli Kahar said a team from the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence Investigation (WCB/PSK) intercepted a lorry at the Putrajaya Toll Plaza of the MEX Expressway at about 2.30pm on Aug 3.
"Checks on the lorry and its occupants - the driver and his assistant, both local men — led to the discovery of various brands of cigarettes believed to be untaxed.
"We seized several crates of illegal cigarettes, with an estimated total value of RM13.4mil. Among other items seized were the lorry, a lorry key, two mobile phones, and four delivery order documents," he told reporters at Sepang district police headquarters on Monday (Aug 11).
Investigations revealed that both suspects had prior criminal records with drug offences, he added.
"The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Comm Shazeli said the successful operation reflected the police's commitment to combat the smuggling of untaxed goods and wildlife crimes that threaten national revenue, security, and public order.
"We also hope the public will cooperate with us by providing information on suspicious activities to help ensure collective safety and well-being," he said.
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