Malaysia Customs Seizes 640,000 Smuggled Cigarettes After Week-Long Sting

Malaysian customs officers in Kelantan uncovered a significant smuggling operation following a week of surveillance, seizing 640,000 white cigarettes valued at RM577,280, including duties and taxes. The discovery was made on June 29 at a secluded shed in Kampung Kubang Bulat, Bachok.

According to Kelantan Customs Director Mohd. Hisham Mohd. Nor, the cigarettes were found stored in 64 boxes within the shed. Initial investigations suggest the syndicate smuggled the contraband into the country using sea and river routes before warehousing them. The shed served as a storage point for the illicit goods before distribution to customers.

During the operation, no arrests were made. Mohd. Hisham indicated that the seized cigarettes were likely destined for the domestic market. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries penalties ranging from fines of 10 to 20 times the value of the goods or between RM100,000 and RM500,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both for a first offense.