A syndicate’s attempt to use a house in Kampung Kok Pauh as a transit store for electronic cigarettes destined for Thailand was foiled after a raid by the General Operations Force (PGA) on Thursday.
In a broader context, authorities continue to tighten surveillance along border areas amid concerns that smuggling syndicates are exploiting illegal routes to move prohibited and untaxed goods into neighbouring countries.
During the Op Taring Wawasan raid at about 1.30pm, officers arrested an 18-year-old man believed to be the caretaker of the premises and seized 2,760 vape devices along with 1,200 cartridges of flavoured vape liquid.
Southeast Brigade PGA commander Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said inspections at the unnumbered house uncovered a large stockpile of electronic cigarettes suspected to have been stored before being smuggled across the border.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly worked for a man known as “Azam” and was responsible for safeguarding the stock as well as transporting the vape products into Thailand through illegal crossing points around Kampung Serkong in Pengkalan Kubor.
Ahmad Radzi said investigators also discovered that the vape supplies were purchased from Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur, before being delivered to Kelantan through courier services.
The total value of the seized items was estimated at RM396,000.
He added that all confiscated goods have been handed over to the Tumpat District Health Office for further action under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Authorities stressed that monitoring and enforcement activities along the border will continue to be intensified to curb smuggling activities and prevent illegal cross-border movements.
