Malaysia Customs Seizes 1.7 Million Contraband Cigarettes Hidden in Coconut Husk

Malaysian customs officers in Kelantan intercepted a significant smuggling operation, seizing 1.7 million contraband cigarettes with an estimated value of RM490,200. The illicit tobacco was discovered hidden beneath sacks of coconut husk in a Hino lorry abandoned in Kampung Pauh 9, Tawang, Bachok, on the night of July 17. This seizure, part of the 'Op Asap Cino' operation, also included the lorry itself, valued at RM150,000, bringing the total seizure value to RM1,834,302.

In a subsequent raid at the same location, customs officers apprehended a Toyota Unser vehicle carrying an additional 253,600 contraband cigarettes, worth RM65,720. This second seizure, including the vehicle valued at RM15,000, amounted to RM258,747.20. The total value of all seized items, including duties and taxes, exceeded RM2 million.

Officials suspect the cigarettes were smuggled across a river before being transferred to vehicles for distribution outside Kelantan and sale to foreign nationals throughout Malaysia. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries severe penalties, including fines up to 20 times the value of the goods or RM500,000, and imprisonment for up to five years for a first offense.