Untaxed beer, cigarettes worth RM3.6mil seized in Penang warehouse raid

Untaxed beer, cigarettes worth RM3.6mil seized in Penang warehouse raid

State customs director Rohaizad Ali says investigations are ongoing to identify the owner of the premises.

Seized alcoholic beverages and cigarettes
The seized cigarettes and alcohol displayed at a press conference by Penang customs director Rohaizad Ali.
SEBERANG PERAI:
The Penang customs department seized more than RM3.6 million worth of untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages in a raid on a warehouse in Bukit Mertajam on March 13.

At a press conference today, state customs director Rohaizad Ali said the raid was based on public information and two months of surveillance of the warehouse on Jalan Berapit, Bukit Mertajam.

An inspection of the warehouse found crates containing a total of 86,800 regular and kretek cigarettes, and 55,605 litres of beer and liquor worth a total of RM3,606,065.03, including duties and taxes.

“The seized items are believed to have been intended for distribution to the local market. Authorities are seeking to identify the warehouse owner,” Rohaizad said.

The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for possession, storage, or concealment of uncustomed or prohibited goods.

Those found guilty face a fine of between RM100,000 and RM500,000, six months to five years in prison, or both.

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