IPOH: About RM1.5mil worth of illicit cigarettes have been seized by the Perak Customs Department in two different operations.

       State Customs director Datuk Dr Mohamad Saprin said the operations were carried out at two rest and recreation (R&R) stops in Kuala Kangsar and Lenggong on March 5.

       “The first case occurred around 6am at R&R Sungai Perak (South) when our officers searched a lorry.

       “We found about 690,000 cigarette sticks of different brands valued at RM460,620,” he said on Wednesday (March 9).

       Mohamad said the second raid was conducted at R&R Selat Pagar in Lenggong around 8am.

       "We found 1,700,000 sticks of illicit cigarettes, worth RM1,135,600 in a lorry. A 31-year-old man was arrested to help with the investigation,” he said.

       Both cases, he said, would be investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act.

       The offence carries a fine of 10 times the value of the goods or RM100,000, whichever is higher, or a jail term of up to five years, or both.

       He urged the public to help the department to combat smuggling activities.

       “People should not get involved in such illicit activities. Those with information on smuggling activities involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles can contact us on our toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Custom offices,” he said, adding that the identity of the informant would be kept confidential.