TEMERLOH: The Pahang Customs Department seized over two million sticks of contraband cigarettes worth RM2.1 million at the Temerloh rest and recreation (R&R) area on Jan 5.
The enforcement team detained a man in his 50s, believed to be the lorry driver, during the 8.30am raid.
State Customs director Wan Apandi Wan Hassan said the enforcement team spotted a man behaving suspiciously in the lorry upon arriving at the parking section of the R&R area.
"Following checks on the lorry, our officers found 2.8 million sticks of contraband cigarettes in the rear of the vehicle worth RM258,800 with unpaid duties amounting to RM1,910,480. The lorry was travelling from an east coast state towards Kuala Lumpur.
"The lorry was fitted with a fake registration number. We believe this is the modus operandi used by the syndicate to avoid their activities being detected," he said at a press conference here today.
Wan Apandi said the department had recorded A statement from the lorry driver before he was released on bail.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 135(1)(e) Customs Act 1967 where the penalty upon conviction for the offender is a fine of between 10 to 20 times the amount of the seized goods or imprisonment of not more than five years or both.
Wan Apandi urged the public to help the department in its battle against smuggling activities especially involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles.
He said those with information should call the department's hotline at 1-800-88-8855 or go to the nearest Customs office. Their identities will be kept confidential.