Penang: The Penang Customs Department has successfully dismantled a smuggling syndicate, arresting two men and confiscating a large haul of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages valued at RM2.67 million in a series of recent raids across the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Customs Director Rohaizad Ali revealed that in the first operation, enforcement officers detained two men after inspecting a lorry parked in a residential area in Bukit Mertajam on May 6. The suspects, in their 20s and 30s, were identified as the driver and assistant of the vehicle. The inspection uncovered a significant quantity of white and kretek cigarettes suspected of being untaxed.

The seized cigarettes totaled 1.32 million sticks, with a street value of RM431,504 and unpaid duties estimated at RM1.34 million. Investigations indicated that the cigarettes were smuggled from a neighboring country for distribution in northern states. Rohaizad explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involved leaving lorries loaded with contraband in public parking areas to avoid detection by authorities. Efforts are ongoing to trace the international network believed to be behind the cigarette smuggling operation.

In a separate incident, the Customs team raided a house in a Butterworth residential area on May 9. They seized various alcoholic beverages worth RM236,737.20, with unpaid duties amounting to RM663,027.03. The house was found locked and unoccupied during the raid, prompting the team to break down the door. Inside, they discovered 15,288 cans of beer and 13,820 bottles of liquor. The homeowner claimed the property was rented out, and customs officers are working to identify and apprehend the individual involved.

Both cases are under investigation in accordance with Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.