Kedah Customs seized over RM16 million worth of vape devices and liquids from a Perlis warehouse, citing a lack of import permits and unpaid duties.
ALOR SETAR: The Kedah Customs Department has seized over RM16 million worth of electronic cigarette devices and liquids.
The raid occurred at a storage warehouse in the Padang Besar Industrial Area in Perlis on October 13.
Director Wan Marini Wan Hamzah said enforcement officers discovered 719,250 units of vape products during the operation.
The haul included 211,050 vape devices and 508,200 vape liquids of various brands.
The total value of the seized goods is estimated at nearly RM13 million.
Unpaid import duties and taxes on the products amount to over RM3 million.
Investigations revealed the suspect, a man in his 40s, could not produce valid import permits from the Ministry of Health.
Vape liquid is a controlled import item requiring prior approval from the ministry.
The products were manufactured in China and arrived via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
They were subsequently transported by land to the warehouse in Perlis.
Authorities are investigating whether the items were intended for the local market or for export.
“We are also looking into the people involved, including the warehouse owner,” said Wan Marini.
The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(g) of the Customs Act 1967.
The department vowed to enhance monitoring at all national entry points to curb smuggling.
It urged the public to assist in combating the smuggling of prohibited and high-duty goods.
Information can be reported via the toll-free hotline 1800-88-8855 or at any Customs office. – Bernama
