Customs seize contraband cigarettes, alcohol worth RM4.2 mln in Sibu raid

SIBU (Dec 27): Customs officers in Sibu scored a major haul after seizing 3.43 million cigarettes and more than 70,000 litres of untaxed alcoholic beverages during a raid on a two-storey house at Lorong Ulu Sungai Merah 46J on Dec 17.

Sarawak Customs director Datuk Norizan Yahya said the operation, carried out at about 4.25pm, was based on intelligence from the department’s headquarters.

“The Sibu Land Operations Unit uncovered prohibited items under the Customs (Prohibition on Import) Order 2023 that were being concealed on the premises.

The total estimated value of the seized goods is RM731,809.44, while unpaid import duties and taxes are estimated at RM3.47 million,” he said in a statement today.

He added that the suspects had used the residential premises as storage to evade authorities.

“The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possessing or storing prohibited items.

We urge the public to continue cooperating with Customs in combating smuggling activities,” he said.

Norizan also warned that smuggling not only causes significant revenue loss but also threatens public safety and well-being.