Smuggled e-cigarettes seized in Padang Besar, Malaysia, involving about $220,000

Aug.11.2025
Smuggled e-cigarettes seized in Padang Besar, Malaysia, involving about $220,000
Smuggled e-cigarettes were seized in Padang Besar, Malaysia, with two suspects arrested. The seized e-cigarettes are valued at 916,000 ringgit (approximately $220,000).

Key Points:

·Malaysian authorities in Batu Pahat have seized smuggled e-cigarettes, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the confiscation of 2400 boxes of e-cigarettes worth 916,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 220,000 USD). 

·The case involves Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.

 

According to a report by the Straits Times on August 10th, the Northern Border Operations Force (GOF) of Malaysia successfully intercepted an attempted distribution of e-cigarettes worth over RM 900,000 (approximately $210,000) in two raids on August 8th. Two suspects were arrested and 2,400 boxes of e-cigarettes were seized.

 

In the first operation, around noon, law enforcement officers intercepted a van in Padang Besar. Shahrum Hashim, Senior Assistant Commissioner of the Northern Border Operation Command, stated that the inspection revealed eight boxes of e-cigarettes without proper documentation, believed to be destined for a residence in Taman Kim, Padang Besar. "Based on subsequent intelligence, we conducted a raid on a house at 1:30 PM and arrested a man who admitted to renting the place. A search of the house uncovered an additional 28 boxes of e-cigarettes without proper documentation.

 

In a statement, he stated that a total of 2,400 boxes of e-cigarettes, valued at 916,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 220,000 USD), were seized. Sharum pointed out that the prime suspect, only 25 years old, claimed he was paid to transport packages from Kuala Lumpur to specified locations, which were alleged to contain cosmetics.

 

The second suspect, 55 years old, admitted to obtaining e-cigarettes from suppliers over the past three months to sell to local customers.

 

Two suspects are currently under investigation under section 135(1)(d) of the 1967 Customs Act and could face fines or imprisonment if convicted. Sharum also added that the GOF will enhance efforts to combat smuggling activities along the northern border and is urging the public to provide authorities with any information on illegal activities.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed introducing mandatory labelling for electronic cigarettes and other electronic devices used to consume nicotine, starting April 1, 2026. The draft resolution has been published on the regulatory portal. Under the proposal, market participants would be required to register with the national monitoring system and label products accordingly, as part of efforts to enhance state oversight of production and circulation.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
A Seoul court has annulled South Korea’s health-levy assessments imposed on multiple importers of nicotine liquids used for vaping. While the court agreed the nicotine could be treated as “tobacco” because it was found to be leaf-derived, it ruled the levy—stacked with other taxes and calculated on a blunt, volume-only basis—was so severe it effectively deprived businesses of the ability to operate, breaching constitutional proportionality and equality standards.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands names John Rishton chair-designate, to take over as chair in December 2026
Imperial Brands names John Rishton chair-designate, to take over as chair in December 2026
Imperial Brands said in a statement on its website that John Rishton will join the board in July 2026 and assume the role of chair in December, succeeding current chair Thérèse Esperdy, who will retire at that time.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation | Element Vape Launches “Made in USA” Section as Product Pages Show “Assembled in USA” and “Made in USA” Labels
2Firsts Observation | Element Vape Launches “Made in USA” Section as Product Pages Show “Assembled in USA” and “Made in USA” Labels
Element Vape, a U.S. online vaping retailer, uses origin labels such as “Made in USA” and “Assembled in USA” across disposable vape product pages and a dedicated collection page, grouping items under “Made in USA Disposable Vapes,” but the platform does not disclose on its public pages the applicable standards or evidentiary basis for these different claims.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia proposes extending voluntary labeling pilot for reusable e-cigarettes to Aug. 31, 2026
Russia proposes extending voluntary labeling pilot for reusable e-cigarettes to Aug. 31, 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed extending a voluntary labeling pilot covering reusable e-cigarettes and similar personal electric vaporizing devices until August 31, 2026. A draft government decree has been published on the unified portal for posting drafts of normative legal acts.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
JTI reshuffles regional leadership; Gabriella Offeddu to lead Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has appointed Gabriella Offeddu as general manager for Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria, effective January 2026.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai