KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) foiled an attempt to smuggle 2,560 vape pods believed to be bound for the Thai market during an inspection at a roadblock in Lalang Pepuyu, Tanah Merah, on Sunday (June 14).
GOF Southeast Brigade commander SAC Ahmad Radzi Hussain said a 42-year-old local man was arrested during an inspection of a van at about 12.15pm.
"A check on a white van driven by the suspect found several boxes containing vape pods of various flavours believed to have been intended for smuggling to a neighbouring country.
"The suspect failed to produce valid documents relating to the ownership or delivery of the goods," he said in a statement the same day.
He added that initial investigations revealed that the suspect had obtained the vape pods from around Tanah Merah and planned to transport them into Thailand through an illegal base in Kampung Rahmat, Rantau Panjang.
"The smuggling of vape pods to Thailand is believed to be prompted by the country's strict ban on the distribution, sale, storage, possession and use of vape products," he said.
According to Ahmad Radzi, the case has been handed over to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's Tanah Merah branch for further action.
He said the GOF would continue to tighten monitoring in border areas to curb smuggling activities. - Bernama
