Key Points
- Selangor police seized illegal vapes and cigarettes valued at about RM12.7 million ($3 million).
- The vape operation uncovered 131,036 vape product boxes, 4,900 bottles of e-liquid and 25,510 devices.
- Police said some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments from China.
- Seized products included Salthub Zero vape products.
- Malaysian authorities reported RM280.4 million ($66 million) worth of illegal goods seized in the first seven months of 2026.
2Firsts
August 10, 2026
According to Malaysia’s New Straits Times and The Star, police in Selangor state have seized illegal vape products and contraband cigarettes valued at about RM12.7 million (approximately $3 million) in two enforcement operations.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments before being stored and distributed through local networks.
The operations involved two separate cases targeting illegal vape products and contraband cigarettes.
Selangor Police Seize RM9.4 Million in Illegal Vape Products
Under “Ops Taring Alpha 3,” police seized a large quantity of illegal vape products.
The operation was conducted on July 28, 2026, in Batu Caves, Selangor, targeting locations suspected of storing and distributing illegal vape products.
Authorities seized:
Item | Quantity | Estimated Value |
Vape product boxes | 131,036 boxes |
|
E-liquid bottles | 4,900 bottles |
|
Vape devices | 25,510 units |
|
Total |
| About RM9.4 million ($2.2 million) |
Reports said the seized products included Salthub Zero vape products and other vape devices.
Police said the products were suspected of violating Malaysia’s vape and tobacco product regulations.
Probe Points to Sea Shipments From China
According to preliminary police findings, some illegal vape products entered Malaysia through sea shipments.
The suspected supply chain involved:
Sea shipment → storage → local distribution → retail market
Police said some products were shipped from China by sea and later stored and distributed in the Klang Valley area.
Public information has not identified any specific Chinese companies involved or disclosed the identities of importers.
Separate Raid Targets Contraband Cigarettes
In a separate operation, “Ops Taring Alpha 1,” Selangor police targeted illegal cigarette activities.
The operation was conducted on July 27, 2026, in Puchong, Selangor.
Authorities seized:
Item | Quantity | Estimated Value |
Contraband cigarettes | 166 cartons, about 1.66 million sticks | About RM3.3 million ($800,000) |
Police arrested three local men and investigated the case under Section 135(1)(d) of Malaysia’s Customs Act 1967.
Malaysia Expands Enforcement Against Illegal Nicotine Products
Malaysian police said that from Jan. 1 to July 31, 2026, authorities handled 236 cases involving illegal tobacco and related goods, arrested 411 people and seized illegal goods valued at about RM280.4 million ($66 million).
The Selangor operations form part of broader enforcement efforts targeting illegal tobacco and vape supply chains.
Authorities have focused on:
- illegal vape imports;
- untaxed tobacco products;
- non-compliant nicotine products;
- underground distribution networks.
The case shows that enforcement efforts are increasingly moving beyond retail-level seizures toward import, storage and distribution networks.
Illegal Vape Supply Chains Remain Regional Challenge
As vape markets expand across Asia, illegal product circulation has become a growing concern for regulators.
For enforcement agencies, tackling illegal vapes requires addressing not only retail sales but also cross-border transport, warehousing and supply chain networks.
The Selangor raids highlight Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen enforcement across the illegal vape supply chain.
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Cover Image source: The Star
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