Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid

Mar.09
Malaysia maritime officers seize nearly 16,500 vapes in suspected cross-border smuggling bid
According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysia’s maritime enforcement agency intercepted a suspicious lorry at a jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang and seized nearly 16,500 vape devices worth more than RM500,000 (about US$125,000). Three men were detained for investigation, and the case is being probed under Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.

Key Points

 

  • Lorry intercepted around 1:15 a.m. at the Kuala Sanglang jetty in Kedah, Malaysia
  • Officers found 56 boxes containing nearly 16,500 vape devices
  • Estimated value exceeded RM500,000 (≈US$125,000 at RM1 ≈ US$0.25)
  • Authorities suspect the shipment was meant for transfer to a fiberglass boat for onward smuggling
  • Three males (19–47) detained; investigation under Sections 135(1)(a) and (d) of the Customs Act 1967

 


 

2Firsts, March 9, 2026

 

According to Malay Mail and Bernama, Malaysian maritime authorities intercepted a suspicious lorry at the Fisheries Development Board jetty in Kedah’s Kuala Sanglang, seizing a large shipment of vape devices believed to be linked to a cross-border smuggling operation.

 

The interception took place at about 1:15 a.m. following intelligence alerts from multiple maritime zones. Inspectors discovered 56 brown boxes inside the vehicle containing nearly 16,500 e-cigarette devices of various types. The haul was estimated to be worth more than RM500,000, or roughly US$125,000 (RM1 ≈ US$0.25).

 

Investigators believe the devices were intended to be moved to a fiberglass boat waiting near the river mouth before being smuggled to a neighboring country. The lorry driver and two local men, aged between 19 and 47, were detained and taken, along with the seized goods, to the Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone office for further investigation.

 

The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and (d) of Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967. Authorities said patrols and enforcement efforts will be intensified ahead of the festive season.

 

Image Source: Malay Mail

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