KANGAR: The Customs Department has foiled an attempt to smuggle 27,700 units of vape devices and liquids worth over RM500,000 into Thailand, after intercepting a Thailand-registered pickup truck in Padang Besar last month.
The incident took place at noon on July 17, when enforcement officers stopped and inspected two pickup trucks at the Padang Besar Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS).
Perlis Customs director Ismail Hashim said both vehicles were en route back to Thailand.
“An inspection of the first pickup found that the driver was transporting goods consistent with the declared items on the customs forms, which is mandatory for all cross-border commercial vehicles.
“However, a thorough check of the second Thailand-registered pickup revealed a large quantity of undeclared vape products concealed among the declared groceries,” he said at a press conference at the Perlis Customs Office today.
The driver, a 23-year-old Thai national, was detained for further investigation.
Authorities seized 27,700 vape-related items valued at RM520,800.
“Thailand prohibits the use of vape products.
“We believe these items were intended for sale on the black market, particularly in Hatyai,” said Ismail.
He said the suspect was later released on Customs bail after having his statement recorded.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the smuggling syndicate used pickup trucks from Thailand to transport vape products sourced from Malaysia, concealed alongside declared grocery items to avoid detection.
“Although vaping remains legal in Malaysia, despite restrictions in several states, smugglers are taking advantage of this grey area to move various vape devices and flavoured liquids across the border,” he said.
The department also seized the pickup truck used in the smuggling attempt, which is estimated to be worth RM20,000.
“This is the first time we’ve detected such a case or trend involving the smuggling of vape products into neighbouring countries,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967, which carries a penalty of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to seven years, or both, upon conviction.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
