An attempt to smuggle 200 units of vape devices worth RM20,000 into Thailand was foiled after a group of men abandoned the contraband and fled when they were confronted by the General Operations Force (PGA) in Bakong, here, on Friday.
The incident occurred at about 7.30pm during Op Taring Wawasan when Strike Force personnel from PGA Battalion 8 were conducting routine patrols at an illegal crossing point known as Pok Dik.
Brigade Commander of PGA Eastern Brigade, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said officers spotted several men transferring boxes from the riverbank on the Malaysian side into a boat across the border.
However, the group immediately fled towards Thailand by boat upon noticing the presence of security forces, leaving two boxes behind at the riverside.
Authorities later inspected the area and discovered the abandoned items, believed to be part of the smuggling attempt.
Such border crossings through illegal jetties remain a persistent challenge for enforcement agencies, particularly in areas identified as active smuggling routes.
All seized items were handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Rantau Panjang for further action under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967.
Preliminary investigations suggest the vape devices were intended for the Thai market, where demand remains high despite strict prohibitions on electronic cigarettes.
Officials noted that vaping products are illegal in Thailand in all forms, including possession, sale, import and export.
The location of the illegal jetty is known to be one of several hotspots along the Jeram Perdah sector frequently used for cross-border smuggling activities.
Authorities reiterated that intelligence gathering, patrols and monitoring efforts will continue to be intensified in order to curb illegal trade along the country’s border areas.
