ALOR SETAR: The Customs Department seized more than RM16mil worth of electronic cigarettes or vape, devices and liquids in a raid on a storage warehouse in Padang Besar.
State director Wan Marini Wan Hamzah said that in the 3pm raid on Oct 13, the enforcement team discovered 719,250 units of vape devices and liquids.
“Upon further inspection, they found 211,050 vape devices and 508,200 vape liquids of various brands.
“The entire seizure, believed not to have been cleared by Customs, is worth nearly RM13mil while the estimated total import duties and taxes amounted to over RM3mil.
“The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce valid import permits from the Health Ministry,” she told a press conference at the state Customs headquarters yesterday, Bernama reported.
Wan Marini said vape liquid is a controlled import item under Part 1, Second Schedule of the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023 and requires approval from the ministry before it can be brought into the country.
“These vape devices and liquids were produced in China and arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport before being brought to Perlis by land.
“We are still investigating whether these items are for the local market or intended for export to other countries.
“We are also looking into the people involved, including the warehouse owner,” she said.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(g) of the Customs Act 1967.
Wan Marini added that they would continue to enhance monitoring and control at all the country’s gateways to curb the smuggling of prohibited and high-duty goods.
“The public should assist us in our fight against smuggling, especially cigarettes, liquor, firecrackers, drugs and other items, and to avoid being involved in such activities.
Information can be channelled via the 1800-88-8855 toll-free hotline or at any nearby Customs office.
