A man in his 30s from Indonesia has been detained following a police raid on a premises in Kuching yesterday over suspected involvement in the smuggling and distribution of untaxed alcoholic beverages in Sarawak.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said a total of 76,367 cartons of “1602 Life Beer Smooth Lager” were seized in the operation.
The raid, conducted at about 2.15pm under Ops Taring Alpha 2, was carried out by officers from the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Intelligence Special Investigation Division (WCB/PSK) of Bukit Aman, with assistance from the Padawan district police headquarters and the Padawan Municipal Council.
According to Mohd Yusri, the inspection at the premises led to the discovery of the alcohol stored inside the building as well as three shipping containers.
Authorities also seized two Toyota forklift machines along with their keys during the operation.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of untaxed or prohibited goods.
He said the operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to strengthen enforcement against smuggling and leakage of untaxed goods.
Mohd Yusri stressed that such activities not only cause revenue losses to the government but could also contribute to cross-border crimes that threaten public safety and order.
He added that police will not compromise with any party involved in smuggling cigarettes, alcohol, controlled goods, subsidised items or other illegal activities affecting national interest.
He also revealed that from January until now, the WCB/PSK has carried out 199 raids nationwide, detaining 374 individuals in various cases.
The total value of seizures for these operations is estimated at RM258.5 million, covering smuggling, wildlife crimes and electronic waste offences.
