TUMPAT: High local demand for imitation cigarettes has led crime syndicates here to step up their cigarette-smuggling activities from a neighbouring country.

However, this is also leading to a rise in the number of interceptions and seizures by authorities. In fact, the number of such seizures conducted by the Customs Department this week alone has risen to three.

State Customs director Aziz Yaacob said that Kelantan seemed to be a choice entry and transit point for the smugglers.

"We are still unsure why they selected Kelantan for their activities. It is either because the state is located close to the border with Thailand, or that they think the enforcement here is lacking.

"But if they think it is lacking, they are wrong. Not only will the Customs here nab them but so will other agencies such as the Anti-Smuggling Unit and the General Operations Force," he told a press conference yesterday.
He revealed that in the latest incident on Thursday, the department seized 605 cartons of cigarettes valued at more than RM7,000.

According to Aziz, the incident began when the department's patrol car spotted a Proton Waja at Simpang Tiga Kepulau here at about 4.45pm.

"At Kampung Wakaf King, the patrol car overtook the Proton Waja, but the suspect refused to stop. He sped off, forcing the officers to ram the car's rear and bring it to a halt. Upon conducting a search of the vehicle, the officers discovered the cigarettes and some cash."