JOHOR BARU: The Johor Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized undeclared cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth RM13.9 million in raids in Johor and Kuala Lumpur.
The raids were carried out as part of Op Outlet throughout Johor and one location in KL between July and Ogos.
Johor Customs director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said the syndicates behind the smuggling ring would declare the cigarettes and alcoholic beverages as plastic goods and prayer items.
The smugglers would also under-declare the value of the goods.
"We raided warehouses where the items were kept. Some items seized were also found in lorries and multipurpose vehicles or MPVs," he said at a press conference at Menara Kastam here today.
Aminul said in Johor, authorities focused their efforts on shops, warehouses, homes and eateries in Gelang Patah, Muar, Batu Pahat, Pengerang, Pontian, Pasir Gudang and Mersing.
In total, 180 premises were inspected and 76 people comprising 39 locals and 37 foreigners were arrested.
"They are believed to be involved in the sale of smuggled goods including cigarettes and alcoholic drinks.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 of the Customs Act for smuggling.
Meanwhile, Aminul also said the department seized RM1.3 million worth of methamphetamine, ketamin and ecstasy in Rengit.
The drugs were discovered on Aug 10 in a luggage bag hidden under a styrofoam box. The case is being probed under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act for drug trafficking.