SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan and Malacca Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle cigarettes valued at RM5.4 million, after seizing three lorries at the North-North Expressway on Tuesday.
Deputy director-general of Customs (Enforcement/Compliance) Datuk Zulkifli Yahya said the three 3-tonne trucks were seized at two different locations with the 7.4 million cigarette sticks at about 5am.
The lorries were seized at Km 188.4 and Km 201.8 of the highway, respectively. One driver was detained, while the other two managed to escape, he said.
"We believe the three lorries are from the same syndicate as they seemed to be in a convoy and used the same type of lorries and cigarette brands,” he said at a press conference here today.
He added the cigarettes were believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring countries using a fishing boat. The boat then entered an illegal jetty after which the smuggled items were unloaded onto the lorries for the local market.
“With the arrest of a 28-year-old suspect, we hope to track down the syndicate. The suspect has been remanded for four days from yesterday and will be charged in court,” he said.
Zulkifli said the offence was committed under Section 135 (1) (e) of the Customs Act 1967 for attempting to smuggle dutiable goods.—BERNAMA