KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department enforcement unit seized imported alcoholic beverages worth RM175,000 in two cases involving undeclared shipments in Port Klang.
The operations, conducted on Aug 30 and Sept 2 by the Central Zone Enforcement Unit I, revealed attempts to smuggle alcohol concealed within containers of mixed goods with the seizures involving an estimated RM130,000 in unpaid duties and taxes.
The department's Central Zone assistant director general Norlela Ismail said that in the first case, officers intercepted a 40-foot container at North Port, Port Klang, at 5.15pm and upon thorough inspection at the Customs Complex Unit I, authorities discovered 1,372 litres of beer hidden behind other goods.
The estimated value of the seized liquor was RM7,500, with a corresponding duty and tax amounting to RM17,350.
She explained that the modus operandi in this case involved falsified declarations on Customs Form 1, where the shipment was listed as furniture.
The contraband was placed at the rear of the container, mixed with other goods, in an attempt to evade detection.
"Following the detention of this container, a representative from the forwarding agent was called in to assist with further investigations. This case is still under investigation to identify the importer involved for further action," Norlela said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. If found guilty, the parties involved could face a fine of no less than 10 times the customs duty amount or RM100,000, whichever is higher, or imprisonment of up to five years.
Meanwhile, in the second operation, officers intercepted another 40-foot container at North Port at 8.20pm.
They discovered 3,530 litres of beer, valued at RM22,800, with unpaid duties and taxes amounting to RM70,000.
Norlela added that upon inspection, the alcoholic beverages were suspected of being undeclared.
"A false declaration was made in Customs Form 1, where the goods were declared as 'fishing nets' from a neighbouring country. The representative of the forwarding agent failed to provide documents related to the approval of the importation," she said.
Customs authorities are working to identify the importers involved. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967. If convicted, the offenders could face similar penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.