Rizanizam Abdul Hamid
MELAKA: A senior citizen was among four people arrested for possessing more than half a million ringgit worth of contraband cigarettes and alcohol last night.
The suspects aged between 39 and 72 were picked up by the police from five separate locations here during the day-long operation.
Melaka Criminal Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nor Yhazid Idris said apart from the arrest, the raiding party also seized 101,158 boxes of cigarettes and 24 boxes of alcohol worth RM623,000.
“Acting on a tip-off and intelligence gatherings concerning premises selling cigarettes and alcohol without a licence, our men raided two houses in Taman Krubong Jaya and Taman Cheng Perdana here.
“The team also raided three shops in Taman Teknologi Cheng, Taman Murai Jaya Durian Tunggal and Taman Rim Jasin,” he said in a statement today.
Mohd Nor Yhazid said preliminary investigations revealed the suspects had not obtained approval from the Customs Department for the sale of the cigarettes and alcohol, which were seized during the raid.
“The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 for possession of smuggled items and the suspects were arrested to facilitate investigation into the case,” he said.
The suspect face a fine of at least 20 times of the tax value of RM500,000, whichever is higher, or the maximum five-year jail sentence or both upon conviction.
Mohd Nor Yhazid also called the people to work with the police in its effort to combat the smuggling racket in the state.
“Those with information about premises selling illicit cigarettes and alcohol can do so by contacting the Melaka police headquarters at 06-2854222 or 06-2851999.
“The public can also tip-off the police by sending SMS to 0122244999.”