Sharifah Mahsinah Abdullah
KOTA BARU: The state Customs Department seized 398 packages of dried tobacco worth about RM253,490 including its unpaid taxes, in an operation at Jalan Machang-Jeli here on July 24.
Speaking at a press conference here today, state Customs director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long said a lorry driver and his attendant were arrested in the operation.
He said a Customs team went to the area about 11pm based on a public tip-off and spotted a suspicious lorry.
"After stopping the lorry, the Customs officers discovered 398 packages of dried tobacco and later detained the two men.
"The tobacco was believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country using boats via the Golok river," he added.
He said initial investigations showed that the tobacco weighing about 3,980kg, would be sent to buyers in Perak.
"We also suspect the two men, in their 30s, were transporters and each received RM100 for the trip to deliver the dried tobacco to the suppliers," he added.
Wan Jamal said investigations also showed that the tobacco would be processed by the cigarette suppliers.
"We believe there is high demand from local suppliers for the dried tobacco from the neighbouring country," he added.
He said the two men who are locals, are being held for further action.