Cigs and booze stolen back

Smuggling ring ‘recovers’ RM3.6mil in seized contraband

FIVE containers of smuggled cigarettes and liquor worth some RM3.6mil seized by the Customs Department in Port Klang were allegedly “stolen” back by members of a syndicate in several incidents, reported Harian Metro.

The incidents, which occurred between December last year and early this year, were believed to involve insiders, who allowed members of the syndicate access into the container yard in Westport, Port Klang. At least four police reports have been lodged.

Sources told the daily that two containers went missing together with over RM1mil’s worth of cigarettes and liquor.

Three other containers still stood at their spots with the contents missing.

The sources added five arrests had been made.

The paper said customs and police officers were investigating the crimes.

> Sinar Harian reported the arrest of four women during a raid at a hotel in Desa Mentari, Petaling Jaya on Wednesday.

The women were said to have used the WeChat messaging app to communicate with their clients for sexual services.

Selangor Secret Societies, Gambling and Vice Division head Deputy Superintendent Mohd Khaizam Ahmad Shahabudin said the women, aged 20 to 30, had been using WeChat to promote prostitution services for about a month.

Police also found items such as tissues, condoms, towels and passports in the hotel rooms.

DSP Mohd Khaizam said customers paid around RM150 to RM200 each for sex.