ISKANDAR PUTERI, Feb 23 — The Johor Customs Department confiscated undeclared milk powder, food supplements and cosmetics worth more than RM400,000 after a raid at a shop in Jalan Alsagoff in Pontian recently.

Customs deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Sazali Mohamad said the raid was carried out by a team from the department’s marine enforcement division in Sungai Pulai at 12.30pm on January 17.

"As a result of the inspection, the raiding team found a number of essential products such as milk powder, food supplements and cosmetics of various brands that are suspected to be undeclared stored in the premises.

"The estimated total of the confiscated goods is valued at RM403,867 and its unpaid duties and taxes amounted to RM67,372.

"The raiding team also detained a local man and four women, consisting of two locals and two foreigners, aged between 25 and 45, to assist in investigations,” said Sazali to reporters at a press conference held at the Johor Customs Department’s enforcement complex in Gelang Patah here today.

Based on initial investigations, Sazali said the suspect’s modus operandi was to store the undeclared goods in the wholesaler’s premises to avoid detection.

"The undeclared goods are believed to be for local distribution and the suspects will sell it through online platforms,” he said, adding that the case is investigated under Section 135 (1) (d) of the Customs Act 1967 for the offence of importing uncustomed and prohibited goods,” he said.