KLANG: The Customs Department has seized over nine million sticks of illicit cigarettes at North Port.

       Central Zone Customs principal assistant director Datuk Zazuli Johan said the cigarettes were detected in a container on July 29.

       "Our enforcement team detected the 40-ft container at around 11.50am.

       "Checks revealed the contents were declared as garments in a bid to avoid detection," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Aug 25).

       He said the cigarettes were worth RM900,000 with unpaid duties amounting to RM6.03mil.

       "The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(a) of the Customs Act and Rule 30(1) of Free Zones Regulations for importing cigarettes without an import permit.

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

       "Those with information should come forward immediately. Your identities will be kept strictly confidential," he said.

       Anyone with information should contact the toll-free hotline at 1-800 88 8855 or head to the nearest Customs office.