GEORGE TOWN: Police smashed a syndicate distributing and selling smuggled cigarettes following the seizure of 1.42 million sticks of cigarettes worth more than RM1 million in a special operation around here on Thursday.
The operation was conducted by the Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department in cooperation with the state police.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Abd Rahim Jaafar said in the series of raids at five locations, police also nabbed three local men, aged between 31 and 40, believed to have ties with the syndicate.
"Police also seized 142 boxes containing 7,100 cartons of smuggled cigarettes, stashed inside five vehicles, including a lorry, in the locations which were raided.
"The raids were conducted in residential areas, including high-end condominiums and parking lots.
"Initial investigation revealed that more than RM1 million smuggled cigarettes were meant for the northern region market, including Penang," he said.
Abdul Rahim said police did not discount the possibility that the smuggled cigarettes were brought in from several countries. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
He said, following the trio's arrests, police also seized cash amounting to RM983,093.98, believed to be proceeds from the sales of the smuggled cigarettes.
"We are on the hunt for other syndicate members, believed to be still in the state.
"We have also seized eight vehicles including four Toyota Avanza, two Vanette van, a Hiace van and a lorry, all worth RM214,000," he added.
The three men are currently under remand and the total seizure amounted to RM2.3 million, which included the cigarettes (after-tax), cash and vehicles.
The case is being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.