KUALA LUMPUR – The Customs Department (JKDM) has crippled two major smuggling syndicates responsible for distributing untaxed liquor and cigarettes worth an estimated RM11.12 million in separate raids across the Klang Valley.
Speaking to Scoop, Kuala Lumpur Customs Director Wan Norizan Wan Daud said the first raid was carried out on August 19 at a warehouse in Taman Prima Tropika, Seri Kembangan, where officers uncovered a liquor distribution network believed to be repackaging and supplying untaxed alcohol to industrial and construction sites.
The operation, conducted at 1.30pm by JKDM’s Kuala Lumpur Enforcement Division, led to the seizure of 5,787 litres of imported liquor of various brands, with duties and taxes valued at RM921,769.
A five-tonne lorry used to transport the illicit goods was also seized, while three foreign men were arrested.
“The importation of liquor requires an import licence and tax stamps approved by the Director-General of Customs, as stipulated under Regulation 42(1) of the Customs Regulations 2019,” Wan Norizan said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
The second raid took place on September 29 at a warehouse in Jalan Subang Permai, Shah Alam, following a tip-off from the public.
Officers found 11.6 million sticks of untaxed imported white cigarettes of various brands, with an estimated product value of RM2.32 million. Duties and taxes were calculated at RM7.88 million, bringing the total seizure in this case to RM10.2 million.
Wan Norizan said the syndicate was believed to be distributing the cigarettes in bulk from an unmarked private warehouse to avoid detection.
This case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.
He noted that smuggling activities not only cause significant revenue losses but also pose broader security concerns.
“Smuggling is not merely an economic offence. It threatens national security and undermines public wellbeing.
“The public may channel information to the Customs Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88-8855 or contact the nearest customs office. JKDM assures that the identity of informants will be kept confidential,” he said. – November 5, 2025