Johor cops bust syndicate, seize RM1.13 mil contraband cigarettes, liquor

JOHOR BARU – The police force’s Simpang Renggam General Operations Force’s 5th Battalion busted a syndicate distributing contraband liquor and cigarettes, seizing RM1.13 million-worth of fake goods in two raids at a resort in Senai, Kulai, yesterday.

Commanding officer Mohd Razali Melin said in the operation, dubbed Op Kontraban, at about 9.30am, six individuals, including three foreigners aged between 28 and 60, were nabbed to assist in the investigation.

“The results of the investigation found that the syndicate has been operating for over four years and a series of arrests have been made, but their smuggling activities are still going on.

“It is also believed that a 60-year-old Singaporean man known as Kenny is the syndicate’s mastermind,” he said in a statement today.

Razali said with the arrests and seizure, the syndicate’s activities in the Kulai and Johor Baru districts have been curtailed.

He said all the seized items were handed over to the Kulai district police headquarters for further investigation under the Customs Act 1967. – Bernama, June 5, 2022