RM8.87mil in illegal vapes seized; 2,140 personnel deployed in nationwide crackdown

RM8.87mil in illegal vapes seized; 2,140 personnel deployed in nationwide crackdown

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have seized more than RM8.87 million worth of illegal e-cigarettes and vape products following a large-scale nationwide crackdown, as authorities warn the expanding illicit trade is endangering youths and causing significant losses in government revenue.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department acting director Datuk Fisol Salleh said 154 premises were inspected during coordinated raids across the country, with 141 found to have committed various offences.

“The raids led to the seizure of RM4.69 million worth of e-cigarette and vape liquid, as well as RM4.11 million worth of devices,” he told reporters at Bukit Aman today.

He said the operation, codenamed Op E-Cig Mega, involved the mobilisation of 2,140 enforcement personnel, including officers from the General Operations Force brigades in the north, central and southeast zones, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, supported by the Federal Reserve Unit, Marine Police and intelligence units.

The operation, he said, was launched following rising detection of unlicensed manufacturing, importation and sales of vape products, particularly those targeting youths and students.

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Fisol said the illegal vape economy now presents dual national risks – a growing public health threat and mounting fiscal leakages.

“The operation adopts a whole-of-government enforcement approach, bringing together the Health Ministry, Inland Revenue Board and local authorities to secure compliance with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852),” he said.