Police seize RM1.9m of illicit liquor in Selangor

Photo courtesy of The Star

Police have broken up an operation accused of storing and distributing duty-unpaid liquor in Selangor, seizing goods and property valued at more than RM1.9 million. Five people were arrested during raids in Puchong and Klang on Thursday, July 30.

Bukit Aman Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and Special Investigation Intelligence commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk Mohd Zaki Ashar said two foreigners were among those detained. The five suspects were aged between 25 and 35.

Liquor, lorries and phones seized

Officers confiscated 389 crates and 255 boxes containing various liquor brands, along with two lorries and five mobile phones. Mohd Zaki placed the total estimated value at RM1,900,926.30 in a statement issued on Saturday, August 1.

Investigators believe the syndicate had been storing, selling and distributing illicit alcohol since 2024. Pandamaran, Bukit Tinggi and Port Klang were identified as some of its principal distribution areas.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967 and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. Police did not disclose the suspects' nationalities or provide further details about their alleged roles.

Between January and July this year, the bureau recorded 21 duty-unpaid liquor cases nationwide. Those investigations produced 43 arrests and seizures valued at RM38.7 million.

Protected turtles recovered in Kedah

The same police unit carried out a separate operation with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, or Perhilitan, on Friday, July 31. Raids in Lunas and Kulim, Kedah, recovered 89 protected turtles valued at RM190,000.

A Malaysian man in his 30s was arrested. Officers seized 74 Sulcata tortoises, 15 Yellow Pond turtles, a sport utility vehicle and a mobile phone during the integrated Khazanah Operation, named Brian Exotic.

That case is being investigated under Section 61 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. From January through July, the integrated Khazanah Operation recorded 53 cases, 56 arrests and seizures valued at RM93,884,589.

What foreigners in Malaysia should know

The arrests are a reminder that offences involving untaxed alcohol and protected wildlife can also bring immigration scrutiny when foreign nationals are involved. The authorities have not identified the two foreign suspects, and their legal status should not be assumed before the investigation is completed.

Foreign residents and visitors buying imported alcohol should use established retailers and retain receipts where practical, particularly for unusually large or heavily discounted purchases. Protected animals and wildlife products are also controlled under Malaysian law, and buyers should not assume that an item offered openly is legal to possess or trade.

1 August 2026