Massive Cigarette Smuggling Ring Busted, RM2 Million Seized in Penang

Over RM2 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes Seized in Penang: One Arrested General Operations Force (PGA) Northern Brigade made a significant bust on May 29, 2025, seizing over RM2 million worth of smuggled cigarettes near the Penang Bridge. The operation, which was the culmination of a month-long investigation, led to the arrest of a local man. According to SAC Shahrom Hashim, Commander of the PGA Northern Brigade, "The syndicate was making huge profits by evading taxes, bringing the cigarettes from Southern Peninsular Malaysia to be distributed in Northern Peninsular Malaysia." The seizure included 6,100 cartons of cigarettes. The suspect is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. He faces a fine of at least 10 times the value of the seized goods (RM20 million) or a maximum of 20 times the value (RM40 million), or imprisonment of six months to five years, or both. The PGA Northern Brigade will continue operations in Perak, Penang, and Kedah to combat such activities. This successful operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the Malaysian economy.