JOHOR BAHRU: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Johor seized 12 million smuggled white cigarettes worth RM13.46 million at a warehouse in the Free Zone Area, Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP), Gelang Patah near Iskandar Puteri on June 8.
Its director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said all the cigarettes were found at 2.30pm in a container following an inspection by the Container Control Unit (CCU), Gelang Patah Enforcement Branch.
He said investigations found that the container from China transited through PTP before going to its final destination in Lisbon, Portugal.
“A check found that the container was declared via the transhipment manifest form as carrying Photovoltaic System Components or solar panel components.
“However, the syndicate involved is believed to have made false declarations regarding trade to smuggle undeclared cigarettes,” he said at a press conference here today.
The cigarettes are estimated to be worth RM4.8 million with estimated duties and taxes amounting to RM8.66 million, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM13.46 million.
He said investigations were underway to track down the syndicate and the owner of the warehouse premises to assist in the investigation under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
— BERNAMA
