SIBU – The Customs Department seized 27 containers of cigarettes and liquor estimated to be worth over RM2.5 million from a ship in Sg Rajang near Jalan Hulu Lanang here recently.
Sarawak Customs Department director Herman Shah Abdullah in a statement today said the seizure comprised 369,672l of liquor and 16,852,000 sticks of cigarettes, involving a tax of RM13,388,684.38, which has not been paid.
The seizure was made at 8.15am on July 20, during which five individuals, including four foreigners, were detained to facilitate investigations. All were aged between 22 and 50.
Herman Shah said the ship entered Sibu waters through the Sg Rajang estuary to lift the containers for distribution in the state.
The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act for importing prohibited goods and knowingly dealing with them with intent to defraud the government of duties. – Bernama, July 31, 2021
