KOTA KINABALU: Customs Department officials have seized contraband with over RM3mil in unpaid taxes following a series of raids in Sabah’s capital city here over the past month.
The operations between Sept 26 and Oct 1 led to the confiscation of smuggled cigarettes and beer stored at various locations, according to the state Customs assistant director-general Siti Mang.
The first raid was conducted at a premises used as a storage facility in Jalan N.C. Mogunting in Kampung Hubah, Penampang, on Sept 26.
“We found 214,000 packets of cigarettes valued at around RM428,000, along with over RM2.86mil in unpaid taxes,” she said, indicating that these items were likely intended for sale in the local market.
No suspects were arrested during this operation, and investigations into the syndicate responsible are ongoing, said Siti in a statement yesterday.
In a subsequent raid on Sept 30, Customs officials apprehended three suspects at different premises in downtown Bandaran Berjaya here between 8pm and 8.30pm.
A 61-year-old man was arrested after 429 cans of beer valued at RM542.59, with a tax liability of RM2,185.73, were found in his store.
A 41-year-old woman was also taken into custody after eight cartons of beer worth RM203.75 and a tax value of RM833.50 were seized from her shop.
“Another eight cartons of beer worth RM234.68, with a tax value of RM930.44, were confiscated from a third premises, with a 50-year-old woman hauled in to facilitate investigations,” said Siti.
All of these suspects were believed to be selling alcohol with unpaid duties at their premises, she said.
On Oct 1, Customs officials raided the compound of a transport company, seizing three trucks filled with cartons of beer.
Two suspects, a truck driver and his assistant, were also detained to assist with the investigation.
Siti said the trucks were found to contain 1,830 cartons of beer valued at RM55,852.51, with unpaid duties amounting to RM228,479.50.
She said these trucks were likely used to deliver smuggled alcohol to customers.
Siti urged the public to avoid purchasing contraband and to report any suspicious activities by contacting the Customs toll-free number at 1800 88 8855, or to visit the nearest Customs Department office to provide details.
