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JOHOR BARU – A total of 53,421 vape pods and liquids worth RM1.55 million were seized by the Johor police contingent yesterday with three locals arrested.
The items, which are not allowed to be sold in Johor, were seized at a premise in Taman Eco Perniagaan here at 12.30pm, in a joint operation by the Region Two Marine Police Force, Criminal Investigation Department of the South Johor Baru district police headquarters, and the Johor police contingent’s department.
The e-cigarettes are believed to be worth over RM253,000, while the seized liquids are worth RM1,297,290.
“Three suspects, two male and one female, aged between 22 and 25 were detained in the operation. All three are being remanded for three days to assist in the probe,” Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat told a press conference at the Region Two (Southern Region) Marine Police Force Headquarters today.
He said that all suspects have no prior criminal records.
Kamarul Zaman stressed that no local council in Johor had issued a licence to any entity to sell vape devices or liquid in the state.
“The case is being investigated under Section 13 (a) of the Poison Act 1952,” said Kamarul Zaman, adding that those found guilty can be fined up to RM3,000 or be slapped with a prison term up to one year, or both.
He also said that police are investigating the case under Customs Act to see whether the seized items’ excise tax has been paid.
He urges those involved in the vape business in Johor to immediately cease their operations, saying that the police force will not compromise on the matter and will continue to track the offenders. – The Vibes, January 4, 2023