Cyberjaya: A lorry driver and his attendant were arrested with suspected contraband cigarettes worth RM13.45 million at the MEX Toll Plaza on the KL-Putrajaya Expressway in Cyberjaya here on Aug 3. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar announced that the two local men, aged 35 and 38, were detained at 2.30 pm when police intercepted them driving a bonded Hino truck.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inspection of the vehicle revealed a cargo of illicit cigarettes. Police seized 566 master cases of various brands. Each master case contains 50 cartons of cigarettes. The press conference, where these details were shared, was also attended by Sepang police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman.

Shazeli noted that, in addition to the cigarettes, police confiscated the Hino truck, two mobile phones, and four sheets of delivery order paper. Further investigations revealed that both suspects had previous records of criminal offences and drug abuse. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which prescribes severe penalties including hefty fines and possible imprisonment.

The two men were charged at the Sepang Magistrate's Court on Aug 7, with the case mention set for Sept 9. Shazeli emphasized that the successful arrest and seizure of the untaxed cigarettes underscore the police's ongoing commitment, particularly Bukit Aman's Department of Internal Security and Public Order, to combat the smuggling of untaxed goods. He also highlighted that their joint efforts extend to tackling wildlife crime.