The Penang Customs Department has successfully busted a fake liquor processing lab hidden in a remote forest area, despite the syndicate’s creative use of frogs as an early warning system. The lab, operated by Nepalese nationals, was situated in a rundown wooden house in a forested area near Sungai Jawi.
State Customs Department Director Datuk Roselan Ramli revealed that the lab was uncovered during a raid at about 11:20 am. The customs officers found 6,621 bottles of liquor, equivalent to 2,104.41 litres, along with empty bottles, caps, various liquor labels, a bottle-capping machine, fake Customs duty stamps, and a modified drum for storing the fake liquor.
The syndicate had been using four ponds of frogs on the path to the premises as alarms. When the customs team approached, the frogs made loud noises, allowing the syndicate members to flee before they could be apprehended. It is also believed that the frogs were being reared for consumption in addition to serving as alarms.
Roselan indicated that the fake liquor produced by the syndicate had likely already been distributed to unsuspecting sundry shops. “We believe the fake liquor is already in the market,” he said, adding that the counterfeit alcohol could be dangerous since its ingredients and spirit content are unknown. “It is difficult for the public to tell the difference between genuine and fake liquor, so we advise buyers to purchase alcohol only from Customs-licensed premises.”
The lab was unlicensed under Section 20(1) of the Excise Act 1976. Roselan noted that the customs department has identified the local owner of the premises and is tracking down those responsible for producing the fake liquor. The investigation is ongoing under Section 74(1)(f) of the Excise Act 1976 and Section 6 of the Law Reform (Eradication of Illicit Samsu) Act 165.
In a separate operation, customs officers raided a factory store in Simpang Ampat and seized 6,022.08 litres of untaxed beer. Four men, including a foreigner, were arrested during the raid. The seized beer, along with taxes, was valued at RM123,931.01. Other items seized included a Mitsubishi Fuso lorry used to transport the beer.
Roselan stated that the four men detained, aged between 28 and 39, were store workers. The beer was believed to have been distributed in bulk using the lorry to avoid detection. The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 74(1)(a) of the Excise Act 1976.
Roselan encouraged the public to work with the authorities to combat smuggling activities, as these not only result in financial losses for the country but also pose health risks.
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