THE Customs Department seized 27 containers of liquor and cigarettes, on which tax had not been paid, estimated at more than RM 2.5 million, from a ship in Sungai Rajang behind a company in Jalan Teng Kung Suk 4, Sibu recently.

Sarawak Customs director Herman Shah Abdullah, in a statement today, said the seizure comprised 369,672 litres of liquor and 16,852,000 cigarette sticks, involving duty of RM13,388,684.38.

He said the seizure was made at 8.15am on July 20, during which five people – four foreigners and a local – aged between 22 and 50, were detained to facilitate investigation.

The ship entered through the Sungai Rajang estuary and into Sibu waters to lift the containers for distribution in the state, he said, adding that the case is investigated under sections 135(1)(a) and 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act for importing uncustomed or prohibited goods and knowingly dealing with uncustomed or prohibited goods with intent to defraud the government of duties. – Bernama, July 31, 2021.