JOHOR BARU: Over RM2.5mil worth of luxury car spare parts and alcohol were seized by the Customs Department here following checks on two lorries separately.

       Its state director Sazali Mohamad said that the first lorry was checked on Sept 30 at Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, Kampung Pasir at about 5.30pm where some 9,364 units of luxury car spare parts were seized.

       "The lorry was parked at the side of the road by a 51-year-old driver.

       "Upon inspection, it was found that the amount and value of the spare parts declared was inaccurate and confusing. We believe this was to avoid having to pay high taxes," he said.

       He said this in a press conference at the Johor Customs Department headquarters here on Sunday (Oct 17).

       He said that the spare parts seized were worth about RM509,076, including taxes while the lorry was worth RM80,000.

       "The lorry was also seized while its driver was arrested to assist in the investigation under Section 133 (1) of the Customs Act 1967," he said.

       Meanwhile, on the second incident, Sazali said some 17,000 bottles of alcoholic drinks were seized at about 9am on Oct 8 at the Kempas Tol Plaza (North Bound).

       "We managed to intercept the lorry right after its driver was done paying toll charges at the plaza.

       "When checked, we found various alcoholic drinks hidden in the vehicle that is believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country.

       "Following an investigation, we found that the alcoholic drinks were declared as mineral nutrient mixture liquid to avoid being detected by the authorities," he said.

       He noted that the lorry was driven by a 56-year-old man and his assistant who is 34-years-old.

       "The alcohol is estimated to be valued at RM324,720 while the duty and taxes charges were about RM1.7mil.

       "The lorry, which is worth about RM100,000 was also seized while the driver and his assistant were arrested to assist in the investigation under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967."