MELAKA: Tin powder and a luxury car are the latest contraband items seized by the Melaka Customs Department.
In a press conference Tuesday (Sept 17), state Customs director Nadzri Che Ani said his team confiscated 5,000kg of tin powder believed to have been smuggled from Indonesia for the local market.
He said the tin was imported in powder form and packed in several plastic bags.
"The smuggling syndicate was detected using a boat to transport the contraband through a maritime route near Mersing, Johor, last month. Acting on information and intelligence, my men recovered the items after they were transported overland by lorry on Aug 17," he said.
Nadzri said the lorry driver and his attendant, in their 30s and 40s, were detained after failing to present valid tax documents.
He added that the total value of the seized items, including the lorry and the tin powder, is estimated at RM450,000.
"The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967," he said.
In a separate case, Nadzri revealed that the department had seized a luxury car worth RM531,960 from a shopping centre in Selangor in July.
He noted that the white sports car was believed to have been smuggled from Singapore to be sold locally.
"The vehicle was parked for three months in a parking lot to dodge the authorities. However, Customs managed to detect and seize the car, although no suspects were arrested," he added.
