JOHOR BARU: State police ended 2018 with the seizure of fireworks and firecrackers valued at an estimated RM2.08 million yesterday afternoon.
In the 2pm raid at a house in Jalan Pulai Bayu 8, Taman Pulai Bayu, here, which was used as a storage facility, police found 600 boxes containing 29 types of fireworks and firecrackers.
It was the biggest amount of fireworks seized last year.
The raid was carried out by a team from the Region 2 Marine Police Force.
State police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said two vehicles belonging to the syndicate, valued at RM120,000, were also seized.
He said four men aged between 18 and 25 were arrested.
They are believed to have been hired for between RM1,500 and RM2,000 to move the contraband since November.
“The house is located in a gated community,” said Khalil at the Marine Police Force base here.
“We believe the four suspects are working for the syndicate.
“We also seized four mobile phones.
“Initial investigations showed that two of them have previous records for drug-related offences.
“They have been remanded until tomorrow to help in the investigation.
“We believed the fireworks and firecrackers are for the upcoming festive season and for the local market.”
Khalil said the case was being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957, which carries a penalty of a maximum jail sentence of seven years or a RM10,000 fine or both upon conviction.