An attempt to conceal a massive stockpile of electronic cigarettes across two separate premises was uncovered after a joint operation by the Marine Police Force (PPM) Region Three and the Kuantan City Council (MBK) led to the seizure of vape products worth an estimated RM1.3 million.
The operation, carried out at around 10am on Wednesday, resulted in the arrest of a 37-year-old man believed to be the owner of the premises used to store the products.
PPM Region Three Commander ACP Khairuddin Jamal said officers first raided a commercial premises where they discovered and seized 1,806 boxes of vape devices, 210 boxes of vape cartridges and 15,812 boxes of flavoured vape liquids.
Further questioning of the suspect subsequently led authorities to a second location — a house in the same district that had allegedly been converted into a storage facility.
During the second raid, enforcement officers uncovered an additional 7,022 boxes of vape devices, 137 boxes of cartridges and 22,810 boxes of flavoured vape liquids.
In total, authorities confiscated 8,828 boxes of vape devices, 347 boxes of cartridges and 38,622 boxes of vape liquids, with the overall value of the seizure estimated at RM1.3 million.
Khairuddin said checks on the suspect revealed he had two previous records linked to gambling-related activities.
The seized items have since been handed over to the Kuantan City Council for further action under Section 107(2) of the Local Government Act 1976.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and whether others were connected to the operation.
Authorities said the raids reflect ongoing efforts to curb the illegal sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes in the state. Enforcement agencies have pledged to intensify operations and strengthen cooperation with relevant bodies to combat unlicensed vape activities.
Khairuddin stressed that firm enforcement measures are necessary to protect public health, particularly in addressing concerns over the misuse of prohibited substances and the potential health risks associated with unregulated vape products.
He added that enforcement efforts will continue to be strengthened to ensure compliance with existing laws and to prevent the illegal sale of electronic smoking devices.
