IPOH: The Perak Customs Department has seized RM1.1mil worth of contraband cigarettes and alcoholic drinks and arrested three men during four separate operations.

       State Customs director Datuk Dr Mohamad Saprin said the operations were held between Jan 28 and Feb 22 here and in Batu Kurau.

       "In the first case on Jan 28, we raided a car workshop in Taman Pertama, Ipoh and seized 78,000 sticks of cigarettes which we believed to be contraband and worth about RM65,000.

       "In the second case on Feb 14, a grocery shop at Jalan Sultan Yussof here was raided where we found 2,936 sticks of cigarettes and 196.67l of alcohol from various brands, worth RM10,000," he said in a statement on Thursday (Feb 24).

       "In the third case on Feb 22, we checked a house in Kampung Sungai Tapah here and seized 33,270 sticks of cigarettes worth about RM30,000.

       "In the fourth case on Feb 15, we found contraband cigarettes worth about RM1mil that were kept in two lorries at an oil palm estate in Kampung Tersusun 19 1/2 in Batu Kurau," he said, adding that the three men were arrested in the first three cases.

       Dr Mohamad said all four cases were being investigated under Section 135 (1)(d) of the Customs Act.

       He said those found guilty can be fined not less than 10 times the value of the seized items or RM100,000, whichever is higher and not more than 20 times the value of the seized items or RM500,000, whichever is higher.

       "They could also face jail time of up to five years or with a fine.

       "The people are urged to help the Customs Department in combating smuggling activities involving cigarettes, alcohol, fireworks, drugs and vehicles," he said, adding that the people are also advised not to be involved with such activities.

       He said those with information on smuggling activities can contact the Customs on the toll-free line at 1-800-88-8855 or the nearest Customs office in all states.

       He added that the identity of the informant would be kept secret.