KOTA KINABALU: Over RM635,000 worth of e-cigarettes were seized while 23 suspects were nabbed following an integrated crackdown across seven districts in Sabah.
The General Operations Force (PGA)-led operation dubbed Ops Taring Alpha 3 was conducted from 9am to 6pm, involving other agencies such as the Health Ministry, local authorities and 170 police personnel and officers.
Sabah PGA Commander SAC Nor Omar Sappi said the operations were conducted in Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Keningau and Semporna.
He said they were aimed at enforcing laws regarding the illegal sales and possession of electronic cigarettes, vape and e-liquids.
“The seized items comprised 9,000 units of e-cigarettes, 3,000 vapes and 1,915 units of e-liquids,” he said.
He added that 18 men and five women, aged between 20 and 35, were arrested during the operations. The suspects are all locals with no prior criminal record.
The case will be investigated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health (Control of Sale) Regulations 2024.
Those convicted could face a fine of up to RM20,000 for the first offence and up to RM30,000 for repeat offence, or jailed for up to two years, or both.
Part of the case will also be investigated under Section 15 of the same Act involving the packaging and labelling requirements for tobacco products.
Under this section, a fine of up to RM500 or community service, other than investigations under the Trades Licensing Ordinance 1949, could be enforced.
SAC Nor Omar said all confiscated goods and arrested suspects have been handed over to the agencies and departments relevant for further actions.
“We will continue to carry out such raids and probes to prevent smuggling and illegal trades in Sabah,” he said.
He also called on the public to assist the authorities in fighting crime.
