Kota Kinabalu: Customs officers seized smuggled firecrackers and fireworks worth almost RM50,000 at abandoned stores in Menggatal, near here, on Monday.Sabah Customs Deputy Director Hamzah Sundang said this involved a total of 578 packages believed to be from China with unpaid duties amounting to about RM10,000."Acting on a tip-off, the enforcement team rushed to the location and raided the stores at Kg Rampayan, Menggatal at 1pm.
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"No arrest was made and the case is being investigated under Section 135(1) of Customs Act 1967 to look for the owners," he said in a joint press conference with police at Wisma Kastam, here, Tuesday. Hamzah said the department also conducted 'Ops Ramadan' and that a total of 220 outlets were inspected and 40 cases recorded of which 26 cases are being investigated and the rest compounded.
"Almost 9,000 packages of illegal firecrackers and fireworks were seized from June 30 until Monday with a market value of RM28,589.57 and unpaid duties amounting to RM18,970.29."Other than this, we also confiscated 34,973 sticks of suspected contraband cigarettes with a market value of RM4,533.15, seized 65.84 litres of alcohol worth RM251.95 and unregistered medicines worth RM245," Hamzah said.
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At the same time, he urged the public to continue giving their cooperation and channelling information on the selling, keeping and playing of firecrackers and fireworks.Those with any information on smuggling activities in their area can contact the nearest Customs office or call the toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855.