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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.

 

References:
[1] RM916,000 worth of e-cigarettes seized in Padang Besar raids
Also Read:
[1] Malaysian Customs Bust Smuggling Case, Seize Over 27,700 e-cigarettes Bound for Thailand
[2] Penang, Malaysia, pushes forward with anti-smoking bill; 2,647 fines issued as of August

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