Authorities Seize 888 Bottles of Illicit Liquor From Smugglers

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian, Pool)

Authorities in Malaysia intercepted 888 bottles of undeclared liquor during a border inspection, according to the New Straits Times.

The seizure took place April 9 at the Sultan Iskandar Building, a major entry point between Malaysia and Singapore. Officers from the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency stopped a commercial van after noticing a passenger in a lane designated for drivers only.

Officials said the driver and passenger, both local men aged 38 and 43, failed to cooperate during questioning, prompting a full inspection of the vehicle.

“Checks led to the discovery of several boxes covered with black cloth containing 888 bottles of undeclared liquor believed to have been smuggled into the country,” the agency said in a statement, according to the New Straits Times.

Authorities said the alcohol totaled about 700 liters, with an estimated value of RM17,328.50. Unpaid taxes were calculated at RM93,324.26, bringing the total value of the seizure to RM110,652.76 ($28,000)

The confiscated liquor has been handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department for further investigation and enforcement action.

Under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967, failing to declare goods or attempting to smuggle items into the country can result in fines, imprisonment, or both upon conviction, according to the report.

The border agency said it will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts at entry points nationwide to prevent smuggling and protect government revenue.