Maritime officers intercept lorry carrying e-cigarettes worth over RM500,000

Malaysian maritime authorities have seized nearly 16,500 electronic cigarette devices believed to be part of a smuggling operation targeting a neighbouring country.

Maritime Officers Intercept Suspicious Lorry
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency intercepted a lorry early in the morning at the Fisheries Development Board jetty in Kuala Sanglang.

The operation took place around 1.15am after intelligence from several maritime zones flagged suspicious activity in the area.

Thousands of Vape Devices Discovered
Authorities discovered 56 brown boxes inside the vehicle during the inspection.

The boxes contained nearly 16,500 e-cigarette devices of various types, with the total estimated value exceeding RM500,000.

Suspected Smuggling Route Identified
Officials believe the vape devices were intended to be smuggled to a neighbouring country.

Investigators said the shipment was likely meant to be transferred to a fiberglass boat waiting at the river mouth.

Three Individuals Detained
The lorry driver and two local male workers, aged between 19 and 47, were detained during the operation.

They were taken along with the seized goods to the Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone office for further investigation.

Authorities Strengthen Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The case is being investigated under Sections 135(1)(a) and (d) of Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.

Authorities said patrols and enforcement operations will be intensified in national waters ahead of the upcoming festive season.

The seizure highlights Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to curb smuggling activities along its coastal borders. With the festive season approaching, enforcement agencies are increasing surveillance to prevent illegal trade from exploiting busy maritime routes.

Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , Bernama (2026)

Keywords: MMEA Vape Seizure Kedah, Kuala Sanglang Smuggling Case, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Vape Devices Smuggling Malaysia, Customs Act 1967