Pakistani man, wife arrested for smuggling cigarettes

Malaysian authorities have arrested a Pakistani national and his wife in Bachok for their alleged involvement in storing and distributing smuggled cigarettes. The couple, aged 31 and 39, were apprehended by the General Operations Force (PGA) during a raid on a house in Kampung Binjai Manis.

During the operation, officers discovered a significant cache of contraband cigarettes, including 19,000 white cigarettes and 600 kretek cigarettes, with an estimated value of RM36,748. Initial investigations revealed that the local woman was the second wife of the Pakistani man.

Authorities believe the couple rented the house to store and sell the illicit cigarettes. The Pakistani husband was reportedly working for a compatriot who allegedly sells cigarettes at a grocery store in Jalan Bukit Marak and supplies other Pakistani-owned shops in the vicinity. The couple allegedly received a monthly salary of RM1,500 for their role in storing and distributing the smuggled goods.

Further investigation suggests the untaxed cigarettes were sourced from a Chinese national who typically delivered them at night using a white Honda City car. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967.