Lorry Driver, Attendant Detained With Suspected Contraband Cigarettes Worth RM13.45 Million

SEPANG, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- A lorry driver and his attendant were arrested with suspected contraband cigarettes worth RM13.45 million at the MEX Toll Plaza on the KL-Putrajaya Expressway in Cyberjaya here on Aug 3.

Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the two local men, aged 35 and 38, were arrested at 2.30 pm when police intercepted them driving a bonded Hino truck.

"The inspection of the vehicle led to the discovery of a cargo of illicit cigarettes.

"Hence, police seized 566 master cases (one master case = 50 cartons of cigarettes) of various brands," he said at a press conference here today, which was also attended by Sepang police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman.

Shazeli said that apart from the cigarettes, police also seized the Hino truck, two mobile phones and four sheets of delivery order paper.

Commenting further, he said that the results of the check found that both suspects had records of criminal offences and drug abuse.

He said that the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which provides for a fine of not less than 10 times the amount of Customs duty or RM100,000 (whichever is greater), and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000 (whichever is higher), or imprisonment for not less than six months and a maximum of five years, or both.

He added that the two men were charged at the Sepang Magistrate's Court on Aug 7, with Sept 9 set for case mention.

Shazeli, meanwhile, said the success of the arrest and seizure of the untaxed cigarettes reflected the continued commitment of the police, especially Bukit Aman’s Department of Internal Security and Public Order, in combating the smuggling of untaxed goods.

He said the joint effort also included tackling wildlife crime.

-- BERNAMA