PORT KLANG: The Customs Department has smashed a bid to smuggle 15 shipping containers filled with illicit cigarettes and tobacco worth RM118.09 million.
The department seized a total of 150.26 million sticks of cigarettes and 30 tonnes of tobacco from the containers.
Its director general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin said this is the department's largest seizure of contraband cigarettes and tobacco this year.
"Between July 23 and Aug 12, we launched a series of inspections on containers at the Northport and Westport which led to the seizures of 150.26 million sticks of cigarettes and 30 tonnes of tobacco.
"Based on our investigations, the containers were declared to be carrying fertiliser (ammonium sulphate) and coated cards," she told reporters at Wisma Kastam Selangor on Friday.
She said they inspected a total of 15 containers. Fourteen, she said, were filled with boxes of cigarettes while the remaining container was filled with sacks of tobacco.
"The cigarettes are worth RM21.31 million with RM96.78 million in unpaid duties.
"The tobacco is worth RM3.18 million with RM6.98 million in unpaid duties," she said, adding that their investigations showed that the cigarettes and tobacco originated from Asia and Europe.
Anis Rizana said they believe one syndicate is behind this attempt to smuggle the items.
"Our investigations revealed all 15 containers arrived at the two ports on July 22.
"We are working to identify the mastermind behind the syndicate," she said.
She said they were investigating the smuggling attempts under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for importing prohibited items.
She also urged those with information on smuggling activities to contact the Customs toll-free hotline at 1800-88-8855 or go to the nearest Customs Department office.
"Identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential," she said.