KLANG: Over 10 million cigarettes were seized after the Customs Department sniffed out a suspicious container at West Port here.

       Central Zone Customs principal assistant director Datuk Zazuli Johan said they received a tip-off about the container.

       “Our personnel seized the container at around 6.30pm on June 16.

       “When they checked the container, they found 10.9 million sticks of cigarettes,” he said in a statement yesterday.

       He said the cigarettes were estimated to be worth RM1.09mil with at least RM7.3mil in unpaid duties.

       “The items in the container were declared as general cargo to avoid suspicion.

       “The cigarettes are believed to have been smuggled from overseas without proper documents and duties paid,” he said.

       He added that the case was being investigated as importing cigarettes without an import permit under the Customs Act and Free Zones Regulations.

       “We urge the public to help us in our fight against smuggling activities, especially involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles.

       “Your identities will be kept strictly confidential,” he said.

       Anyone with information should contact the Customs toll-free hotline at 1800 88 8855 or head to the nearest Customs Department office.