Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMC) busted the smuggling of RM1.9 million worth of liquor, including tax, at the Sepanggar Port recently.
Sabah RMC Assistant Director Datuk Mohd Nasir Deraman said the seizure was made as a result of cooperation between the Kota Kinabalu Enforcement Operations Unit and the Sepanggar Port Import Export Branch.
He said five containers from Hong Kong and Singapore containing the liquor was suspected to be smuggled into the country without paying the duties.
“The seizure was made on April 16, 17 and 18 after receiving intelligence from the headquarters.
“The value of its contents are estimated to be valued at RM473,000 while the estimated total value, including duties and taxes is RM1.9 million.
“Investigations found that the smugglers used false declarations on documents involving household goods, fishing equipment and so on but inside the container there was liquor,” he told a press conference at the RMC Enforcement Office, here.
Commenting further, Mohd Nasir said based on initial information, he found that the address of the premises non-existence.
“The liquor was believed for distribution around Kota Kinabalu but the address of the premises was incorrect. We are still waiting for information from the relevant agencies to conduct further investigations,” he said.
Asked if the confiscation of liquor had anything to do with the celebration of the Kaamatan Festival next month he said that the case was not the first and not only during the festive season.
“In terms of business, it is based on demand. We are constantly monitoring and taking appropriate action regarding smuggling activities.
“However, during the festive season, we have a specific focus and operation but to combat smuggling and misappropriation it is carried out continuously,” he said.
