A syndicate suspected of storing and distributing untaxed cigarettes was crippled after police seized contraband worth RM1.49 million in three separate raids across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor yesterday.
The operation, dubbed Op Taring Alpha 1, was conducted by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Intelligence and Special Investigation (WCB/PSK) under the General Operations Force of the Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order (JKDNKA).
Two local men, aged 20 and 22, were arrested during the operation, which uncovered cigarette stocks believed to have been kept for distribution.
WCB/PSK JKDNKA Bukit Aman commander Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said the first raid was carried out at about 12.05pm in Taman Seri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur.
He said officers inspecting a vehicle belonging to the 20-year-old suspect discovered various brands of cigarettes believed to be untaxed.
“Initial questioning led the operation team to a second location in Semenyih, Selangor, at about 3pm, which was believed to have been used as a temporary storage facility before the cigarettes were distributed,” he said in a statement today.
A larger quantity of cigarettes involving various brands was discovered at the Semenyih premises, he added.
The third raid was conducted at about 3.30pm in Damansara Damai, Petaling Jaya, where police arrested another 22-year-old man believed to have worked as a cigarette delivery runner.
The two suspects were believed to have been involved in the operation for about four and six months respectively. They have been detained under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 to assist investigations.
The latest enforcement action adds to the authorities’ ongoing efforts to disrupt the illicit cigarette trade, which continues to generate substantial losses in unpaid duties and taxes.
From Jan 1 to date, WCB/PSK JKDNKA Bukit Aman has conducted 237 raids nationwide, resulting in 411 arrests and seizures with a total value of RM312.52 million.
