JOHOR BARU: State marine police seized about RM600,000 worth of counterfeit liquor when they stormed into a premises used as a processing and storage facility in Taman Tan Sri Yaakob, Skudai, here, yesterday.
A 33-year-old foreigner was arrested after he failed to produce valid documentation during the 4.30pm raid.
Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar said marine police personnel raided the premises following a seven-day surveillance operation, after they received public tip-off.
He said police seized RM547,881.18 worth of counterfeit liquor bottles and equipment used in the illicit operations.
Also seized were 383 boxes with bottled liquor, liquid colouring dyes, five rolls of fake Customs banderol stickers, electric pumps, two barrels of alcohol, fake labels, bottle caps and a mobile phone.
Kumar said investigations revealed the premises was used to processing the liquor and bottle it before it was distributed.
He added that investigations are underway to identify the remaining members of the syndicate and the extent of the operations.
Police are investigating the case under the Law Reform (Eradication of Illicit Samsu) Act 1976, which prohibits manufacturing illicit liquor, Immigration Act for failing to remain in the country with valid documentation and the Customs Act 1957, for storing and possession of non-duty paid or prohibited goods.