The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) Johor has foiled the largest white cigarette smuggling attempt recorded in the state this year, seizing contraband worth an estimated RM13.4 million, including customs duties and taxes.
Johor Customs director Aminul Izmeer Mohd Sohaimi said the seizure was made during an inspection of a 12.2-metre shipping container at approximately 2.30pm on June 8. The operation was carried out by officers from the Container Control Unit (CCU) of the Gelang Patah Enforcement Branch at a warehouse within the Free Zone of Port of Tanjung Pelepas.
The raid was conducted following intelligence gathered by the Southern Zone Intelligence Branch, with assistance from representatives of the shipping company involved.
According to Aminul Izmeer, the container had been declared on Customs Form No. 6 and a transhipment manifest as carrying “Photovoltaic System Components”. However, officers found that none of the declared goods were inside the container.
Instead, authorities discovered 12 million white cigarettes concealed within the shipment. The cigarettes were estimated to be worth RM4.8 million, while the unpaid customs duties and taxes amounted to RM8.664 million, bringing the total seizure value to RM13.464 million.
Investigations revealed that the container was shipped from China and was destined for Lisbon, Portugal. Customs officials believe the syndicate attempted to evade detection by making a false declaration of the cargo to facilitate the smuggling of untaxed cigarettes.
Although the cigarettes were not intended for the Malaysian market, Aminul Izmeer said the case highlights the misuse of Malaysia’s transhipment facilities by international smuggling syndicates.
Customs authorities said enforcement efforts will continue to be strengthened to combat cross-border smuggling activities and protect the integrity of the country’s ports and international trade network.
