PADANG BESAR – The Perlis Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) today thwarted an attempt to smuggle out 96,160 bottles of vape liquid estimated to be worth RM1.8 million.
Its commander, Rodzi Abu Hasan, said an enforcement team detained a three-tonne lorry in Jalan Kaki Bukit here at 10.15am, following three weeks of intelligence gathering.
“We seized 96 boxes of the vape liquid, which contains nicotine, and arrested the driver, a 35-year-old local,” he told reporters here.
He said the syndicate’s modus operandi is to transport the liquid from Kuala Lumpur, with the item declared as perfume.
Perlis is used as a transit point before the liquid is smuggled into a neighbouring country, he said.
“Intelligence found that the syndicate carries out its smuggling activities twice a week, and has been operating for five months.”
He said the fruit-flavoured vape liquid is sold at RM20 and above per bottle.
“We do not rule out the possibility that there are several other syndicates, and Aksem will continue to investigate and track them down.”
He said the case is being investigated under Section 13 of the Poisons Act 1952, punishable under Section 32(2) of the same act, which carries a fine not exceeding RM3,000, or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, upon conviction. – Bernama, January 6, 2021
