The Customs Department in Malaysia has thwarted two smuggling operations attempting to bring in a large volume of alcoholic beverages disguised within fresh vegetable shipments. Norlela Ismail, the Central Zone deputy director, reported the confiscation of three refrigerated containers on two distinct occasions, totaling 9,691 litres of alcohol.
On May 30, enforcement divisions detained two 40-foot containers at Northport and Westport, Port Klang, discovering alcoholic products concealed behind vegetable boxes, lacking import permits. The estimated trade value of the seized alcohol was RM32,000, equating to 6,408 litres, with duties and taxes approximated at RM73,200. Another container was intercepted the same day at Northport Free Zone, revealing 3,283.20 litres of alcohol valued at RM17,700, hidden similarly, resulting in estimated duties and taxes of RM44,600.00. A 50-year-old Malaysian woman has been detained for further investigation.
The smuggling attempts involved false declarations on customs forms, initially cleared by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department as vegetables. Importation of alcoholic beverages without a licence is prohibited, as outlined in the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. Investigations continue under the Customs Act, with potential fines and imprisonment for violators.
This operation is part of a series of five smuggling busts by the Customs Department within a month, targeting various prohibited goods.
[ RM1 = €0.20 ]
Source: api.nst.com.my