KUALA LUMPUR: The Customs Department seized illicit cigarettes, alcohol and vape liquid worth over RM2.13million following a week-long crackdown.
The department Central Zone assistant director general Norlela Ismail said the team conducted Op Royal with the help of intelligence gathered by Kuala Lumpur police's Special Branch.
"We launched Op Royal which began on Aug 12 and will end on Aug 23.
"The operation was focused on business premises that were selling contraband cigarettes, alcohol and vape liquid," she told a press conference on Wednesday night.
She said the team checked a total 85 premises to date around Jalan Imbi, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Raja Bot, Petaling Street and Chow Kit.
"A total of 36 investigation papers were opened involving seizures worth RM2.13million.
"We seized 5,545 litres of alcohol, 727,801 cigarette sticks as well as 627,000ml of vape liquid," she said.
Based on checks, many of these premises were selling the illicit items to regular customers from around the area, she said.
"Based on our investigations, some of these premises were selling illicit cigarettes at least RM10 cheaper when compared to legal cigarettes.
"We have detained 36 individuals to help with further investigations.
"They are the business operators," she said, adding that the illicit cigarettes were believed to have originated from a neighbouring country.
She said the department would continue to collaborate with other agencies such as the police to curb smuggling activities.
Those with information on such cases can call Customs Department toll free hotline at 1-800-88-8855.
Identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential.