Malaysian Customs Bust Smuggling Case, Seize Over 27,700 e-cigarettes Bound for Thailand

Aug.08

Malaysian customs foiled a major e-cigarette smuggling case, seizing over 27,700 devices worth $120,000 from Thailand. Suspect detained.

Key highlights:

Malaysian customs authorities have uncovered a case of e-cigarette smuggling, preventing over 27,700 e-cigarette devices from being illegally imported into Thailand.

The amount involved exceeds 520,000 Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 120,000 US dollars).

The Thai man involved in the case has been detained.

According to Bharian on August 7th, the Malaysian Royal Customs Department (JKDM) has uncovered a major case of e-cigarette smuggling, seizing 27,700 e-cigarette devices and e-liquids worth over 520,000 Ringgit (approximately 120,000 US dollars).

Malaysian customs officials at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Integrated Checkpoint (ICQS) inspected two incoming and outgoing vehicles. After a thorough inspection, it was discovered that one of the pickup trucks from Thailand was hiding a large quantity of undeclared e-cigarette devices, which were mixed in with some daily groceries.

According to Ismail Hashim, the Customs chief in the northern Malaysian state of Perlis, a 23-year-old Thai man is currently detained for investigation. During a media briefing, he revealed that the 27,700 e-cigarette devices found in the vehicle were not declared in the customs documents, which is a common method used by smuggling groups to hide undeclared e-cigarettes among other goods for transit.

After the man was arrested, he provided the necessary testimony and was temporarily released on RM 6,000 (approximately $1,417) bail. The case is currently being investigated further under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967.

References:

[1] Kastam Perlis patahkan cubaan seludup 27,700 unit vape, cecair bernilai lebih RM500,000

Also Read:

[1] Penang, Malaysia, pushes forward with anti-smoking bill; 2,647 fines issued as of August

[2] Malaysia's Negeri Sembilan Launches 'Save the Lungs' Campaign, Imposes Heavy Fines on Illegal E-Cigarette Sellers

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