Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized

Key Takeaways

• “Op E-CIG” conducted on February 10 across five states, involving 30 raids
• 51 detained: 44 locals and seven foreigners (Indonesia, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar)
• 2,263 vape units and 165.463 litres of liquid seized; value over RM1 million (USD equivalent not provided in the source; exchange-rate basis not stated)
• Health Ministry/local authorities issued 16 summonses and 25 compounds totalling RM28,500 (USD equivalent not provided in the source; exchange-rate basis not stated)
• Police suspect smuggling and illegal processing via sea routes and multiple entry points; case investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63

2Firsts, Feb 12. 2026 – 

According to New Straits Times, police detained 51 individuals and seized over RM1 million worth of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and liquid refills in a major operation across five states.

The report said the simultaneous raids, dubbed “Op E-CIG,” were conducted by the General Operations Force (GOF) Central Brigade on February 10. GOF Central Brigade commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Hakemal Hawari (Hakemal Hawari) said the operation involved 30 raids: 11 in Kuala Lumpur, seven in Johor, five in Melaka, four in Selangor and three in Negeri Sembilan.

“51 people were detained, comprising 44 locals and seven foreigners from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar,” he said at a press conference, according to the report. Officers seized 2,263 vape units and 165.463 litres of liquid.

In addition to the seizures, the report said the Health Ministry and local authorities issued 16 summonses and 25 compounds totalling RM28,500 (USD equivalent not provided in the source; exchange-rate basis not stated). Hawari said two men in their 30s were detained in Kuala Lumpur for operating without valid permits, while two foreign workers from Bangladesh and Indonesia were held for immigration offences.

Hawari said the seized liquids are being analysed by the Health Ministry to identify their contents. He added that police believe the devices and liquids were smuggled into the country and processed illegally, and that syndicates are suspected of using sea routes and several entry points from a neighbouring country.

The report said the case is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63, while the Health Ministry continues its evaluation of the seized substances.

Image source: New Straits Times