SERI ALAM: Police busted a syndicate smuggling frozen pork from an illegal jetty at Teluk Kabong in Pasir Gudang, in a joint operation early this morning.
Police seized 197 boxes of the frozen meat, a fibre boat fitted with a 75hp engine, and a lorry, with total seizure valued at RM337,750 in the 6.30am joint operation involving the marine police and officers from the Pengerang Customs Department enforcement division.
Also arrested were two men, aged 55 years.
District police chief Superintendent Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said investigations revealed that the meat was imported from a foreign country and smuggled into Johor via sea to avoid paying taxes, inspections and the authorities.
The case is under investigation by the Customs Department under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for knowingly concealing uncustomed or prohibited goods.
Upon conviction, the offenders could face severe penalties, including a fine of not less than 10 times the value of the goods or RM 100,000 (whichever is higher), up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, or imprisonment for not less than six months and not more than five years, or both.
Sohaimi said similar joint operations will be conducted frequently to combat smuggling.
He urged the public to come forward with information if they witness suspicious activities in their housing areas.