Kastam seizes 47 smuggled cars worth RM6.2 million

Between January and October 16 this year, Kelantan customs (JKDM Kelantan) have seized 47 vehicles believed to have been smuggled in from neighbouring countries, with the total haul estimated to be worth over RM6.2 million including duties, Bernama reports.

According to JKDM Kelantan director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long, the vehicles – among them a Volkswagen Beetle, Volvo S80, BMW 325i, Maserati Ghibli, Honda Jazz, Toyota Vellfire and Mercedes-Benz – were being sold for RM53,000-RM185,000, or about 35-40% below market value.

“Syndicates used various tactics to lure buyers, including advertising on social media, even though the vehicles had no valid permits or documentation,” he told reporters yesterday, adding that the seizures were carried out in Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur and Johor through a series of intelligence-led operations and enforcement efforts, including along border areas.

The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a fine of 10-20 times the value of the goods — or RM50,000-RM500,000, whichever is higher — or up to five years’ imprisonment, or both, for the first offence.

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