Malaysian Customs Successfully Seized Over $500K Smuggled Cigarettes

According to a report in the Malaysian newspaper The Straits Times on May 7th, the Malaysian tax authorities successfully seized a batch of smuggled cigarettes worth over 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 800,000 RMB).

According to Norlela Ismail, the Deputy Director of Operations at the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, the Malaysian tax authorities have prevented 15 cases of attempted cigarette smuggling to countries in Oceania at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the past month. In total, the authorities have seized contraband cigarettes worth 605,500 Malaysian Ringgit, equivalent to approximately 78,600 packs, including unpaid taxes.

Nurlela said that the most recent seizure occurred on April 15th, when the tax bureau seized approximately 200,000 smuggled cigarettes worth 154,000 ringgit (about 250,000 RMB), including unpaid taxes.

Upon scanning the goods, it was found that the actual goods did not match the declared goods. Upon further inspection, they discovered smuggled cigarettes internally. Nurlela added, "These smuggled cigarettes were smuggled into Malaysia, with no tax stamps or health warning labels affixed to the cigarettes. This is the latest smuggling method for cigarettes, and we will continue to work towards preventing Malaysia from becoming a hub for smuggled cigarettes."

In addition, Nurlela also stated that the tax authorities seized 823 kilograms of beedi cigarettes on April 25, with a total value of 13.56 million ringgit, including unpaid taxes. She also stated that further investigation revealed that the names of the declared importer and recipient were forged.

In another case, Nurlela stated that on April 22, the customs department arrested two men in their 30s at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for attempting to smuggle 85.2 kilograms of chewable tobacco. The chewable tobacco was found in six pieces of luggage during inspection. It was found that these two individuals had entered Malaysia at least five times in the past month, leading customs to believe they were part of a smuggling group bringing chewable tobacco into Malaysia using short trips as a cover. The suspects were reportedly paid at least 1000 ringgit for each trip. Currently, both suspects are in custody.