Latest news with #KualaLumpurCustomsDepartment
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Holy smokes: RM2.07mil in illicit ciggies seized in late night raid
PETALING JAYA: A smuggling syndicate's tactic of using a shipping container as a makeshift storage facility for illicit cigarettes was foiled when the Customs Department raided the site. Kuala Lumpur Customs Department director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said officers found 2,402,000 sticks of contraband cigarettes worth an estimated RM2.07mil during a 3am inspection on July 9. "Following intelligence work that began around midnight, our team raided a container parking area in Jalan Telekom, Kampung Johan Setia, Klang, and discovered the suspected contraband," he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Complex on Wednesday (Aug 13). Wan Norizan said the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled in via sea routes. "No arrests were made during the operation, and investigations are ongoing," he said. He added that importing such goods requires an import licence and tax stamps approved by the Customs director-general, in line with Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019. "The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of uncustomed or prohibited goods," he said. Urging the public to help combat smuggling, especially of cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles, Wan Norizan reminded that such crimes cause revenue losses to the nation and pose threats to public safety and security. "As of June this year, KL Customs recorded 160 cigarette-related cases, with seizures worth around RM35mil. "The public can report smuggling activities to the toll-free Customs hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office. All information will be kept confidential," he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
High demand for illicit cigarettes in KL, RM35mil seized in first six months this year
PETALING JAYA: High demand for contraband cigarettes in Kuala Lumpur remains a concern, with over RM35 million worth of illicit cigarettes seized in the first six months of this year. Kuala Lumpur Customs Department director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said the seizures were made between January and June. She said that with contraband cigarettes being sold discreetly for as low as RM7 per pack, some smokers had a clear preference for illicit products rather than paying more for legitimate cigarettes. "Our checks showed that the price varies according to location. "We made a total of 160 seizures between January and June this year, resulting in RM35 million worth of illicit cigarettes being confiscated," she told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Department office today. She said that in the most recent case, 2,402,000 illicit cigarettes worth over RM2.07 million were seized in Klang. "A raid was carried out at about 3am on July 9 by the Kuala Lumpur Customs Enforcement Division, following a public tip-off received three hours earlier. "Based on intelligence gathered since midnight, our team raided a container parking lot at Jalan Telekom, Kampung Johan Setia, Klang, and found imported contraband cigarettes suspected to be prohibited goods," she said. She said the cigarettes were stored in a 40-foot container that had been converted into a permanent storage facility before being distributed to local suppliers, with a market value of around RM7 per pack. Wan Norizan said the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled by sea. "This case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for storing or possessing uncustomed goods or prohibited imports," she said. She urged the public to assist the department in combating smuggling crimes, particularly involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs, and vehicles, and advised against engaging in such activities. "Smuggling not only causes national revenue losses due to leakage but also poses threats to national security and the well-being of the people," she said. The public can provide information on smuggling activities by calling the department's toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855or contacting the nearest Customs office.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Worrying rise in ganja buds smuggling with millions seized this year
PETALING JAYA: The Customs Department has observed a worrying rise in ganja buds smuggling, with over RM6.08 million worth of the highly potent organic drug seized this year. Its assistant director-general (enforcement) Raizam Setapa @ Mustapha said that to date, six seizures involving ganja buds have been made at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Courier Centre. "Our investigations showed that all six shipments originated from a neighbouring country and were intended to be shipped to Europe. "These shipments were declared as books, toys, and clothes to avoid detection," he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Customs Department office here today. Raizam added that the latest attempt to ship out these drugs was detected at around 2.30 pm on April 29.
