ISKANDAR PUTERI, March 20 — The Johor Customs Department seized an estimated RM20.1 million in cigarettes and alcohol, inclusive of duties and taxes, during inspections at the Tanjung Pelepas Port Customs Checkpoint in Gelang Patah, in January and earlier this month.
State Customs director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said that on March 4 and March 13, the authorities intercepted the attempted smuggling of 21.7 million sticks of cigarettes worth about RM18.3 million concealed in two containers, suspected to be destined for Mexico.
“We are working on tracing the owners of these goods. The syndicate’s modus operandi was to place 160 boxes of plastic children’s toys at the front of the container to deceive the authorities,” he said in a statement today.
The undeclared alcohol worth about RM1.8 million, comprising 69,360 cans of various brands, was seized in the same area on January 29.
“The alcohol was found in three different containers,” he said, adding that both cases are being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
Meanwhile, Aminul said the department has identified a syndicate involved in smuggling out undocumented foreigners during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri by charging RM3,000 per person.
The syndicate came to light after the apprehension of 12 undocumented Indonesians, including two boat skippers, all aged between 25 and 50, in the waters off Tanjung Pelepas on Friday (March 15), who were intercepted en route to Batam Island, Indonesia.
The skippers have been remanded for seven days to assist in investigations under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, while the remaining 10 individuals have been handed over to the Immigration Department.
A fiberglass boat with an engine, estimated to be worth RM42,000, was also seized.
— Bernama
