KUALA LUMPUR: Almost RM9mil worth of e-cigarette products and related items have been seized in raids under Ops E-Cig Mega, a nationwide integrated operation launched on Feb 10.
Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department's deputy director Comm Datuk Fisol Salleh said the operation was conducted jointly with the Health Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, local authorities and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), targeting premises involved in the sale and distribution of vape products.
"Ops E-Cig Mega... (involved) 2,140 officers and personnel from the various agencies. A total of 154 premises were targeted and 141 were inspected," he told reporters at Bukit Aman on Monday (Feb 16).
He said the total seizures amounted to RM8.876mil, comprising vape fluid (RM4.6mil) and vape devices (RM4.11mil) along with related equipment.
Police also issued RM330,200 in compound notices, he added.
Comm Fisol said 181 people were screened during the operation, with four arrests made, including one case of obstructing a public servant in Johor and two cases involving immigration offences.
He said the operation was carried out based on intelligence in coordination with the Health Ministry’s enforcement division.
He added that although there have been previous cases of vape liquids found to contain drugs, no narcotics were detected in this operation.
He reiterated that the sale of vape products to those below 18 is prohibited under Health Ministry regulations and enforcement efforts would be intensified to curb access among teenagers.
"We will continue enforcement in an integrated manner with relevant agencies to address the proliferation of vape products, especially among school students," he said.
