Customs Department Seizes Over RM800,000 In Untaxed Cigarettes During Four Raids In Terengganu And Kelantan

KUALA LUMPUR, June, 2026 –The Royal Malaysian Customs Department, also known as JKDM, has seized untaxed cigarettes worth RM807,718.12, including taxes, following four separate raids conducted in Terengganu and Kelantan between April 16 and May 3.

The seizures involved white cigarettes and kretek, also known as clove cigarettes, which were believed to be part of smuggling and distribution activities targeting the local market. The operations were revealed by Terengganu JKDM director Hasbollah Din during a press conference at the Terengganu JKDM Enforcement Store in Kuala Terengganu.

According to Hasbollah, the first raid was carried out on April 16 in the Besut district at around 12.45am. During the operation, enforcement officers arrested two men who were caught transporting boxes of cigarettes from two cars into a shop.

An inspection of the premises led to the discovery of 10,000 cigarettes with an estimated value of RM9,020, including taxes. Authorities also seized two cars believed to have been used in the operation. The two suspects were later charged at the Besut Magistrate’s Court on April 22.

Hasbollah said the syndicate’s modus operandi was to distribute untaxed cigarettes to business premises around midnight in an attempt to avoid detection by enforcement authorities. The timing of the activity suggests that the group tried to take advantage of quieter hours to move the contraband more discreetly.

The second raid took place on April 20 under Ops Peteh at an abandoned construction site in Besut. During the operation, JKDM seized 400,000 white cigarettes with an estimated total value of RM321,200.

Authorities found that smugglers had allegedly used abandoned cabins at the construction site as storage locations for undeclared cigarettes. This method was believed to be used to hide the illegal goods before they were moved for distribution.

The third case occurred on April 25 in the Pasir Pekan area of Kota Bharu, Kelantan. During the raid, the JKDM Marine Enforcement Team tracked and followed a vehicle suspected of transporting smuggled cigarettes along riverbanks in the area at around 8.30pm.

However, the driver of the vehicle managed to escape after acting aggressively and fleeing the scene. The vehicle was later abandoned in the Wakaf Bharu area. Upon inspection, officers found 200,000 white cigarettes with an estimated value of RM182,600, including taxes.

The fourth raid was conducted at around 12.30am on May 3 at a premises in Kota Bharu. In this operation, JKDM seized 334,736 white cigarettes and kretek that were stored inside a residence.

Authorities also seized a Nissan Navara four-wheel drive vehicle during the raid. The contraband from the fourth case was estimated to be worth RM294,898.12, including taxes.

The residential premises are believed to have been used as a temporary storage site before the cigarettes were distributed to the local market. The discovery shows how smuggling activities may involve multiple types of locations, including shops, abandoned sites, vehicles, and private residences.

The four raids highlight JKDM’s continued enforcement efforts against the smuggling and sale of untaxed cigarettes in Malaysia. Such activities not only violate customs laws but also cause losses in government tax revenue and support illegal supply chains.

The Customs Department is expected to continue monitoring suspected smuggling routes and storage locations, especially in areas close to state borders, riverbanks, and business premises that may be used to distribute contraband goods.

The case also serves as a reminder that the sale, storage, and distribution of untaxed cigarettes are serious offences under Malaysian law. Authorities have urged the public to provide information on suspicious activities to help curb smuggling and protect national revenue.