KUANTAN: The Pahang Customs Department believe they have smashed a syndicate selling illicit alcoholic drinks after recovering 1,671 litres of canned beer kept inside a warehouse here on Sept 4.
The raiding team found various brands of beer worth some RM35,000 including tax, but there were no arrests made as the premises were unoccupied during the 4pm raid.
State Customs director Mohd Asri Seman said acting on information, the raiding team had gone to inspect the premises where they found the beer cans neatly arranged in boxes.
"Initial investigations revealed the syndicate used the premises to store boxes containing crates of beer before it was distributed in smaller units to buyers. We believe the alcoholic drinks were sold to foreigners.
"The department is working with the Kuantan City Council to track down the premises owner who we believe will be able to provide more information about the contraband items seized in the warehouse," he told a press conference at Wisma Kastam here, today.
He said the case was investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession or selling of smuggled beer, and Section 74(1)(c) of the Excise Act 1976.
Meanwhile, Asri said 25 investigation papers involving seizures of 13,557 litres of alcohol worth RM855,957 across Pahang were opened between January and Sept 24 this year.
He said 14 individuals, both locals and foreigners, were arrested and three of them were produced in court.