KOTA BARU: The state Customs Department on Wednesday made its first-ever seizure of smuggled heated tobacco products.
The 900,000 sticks of cigarettes were worth about RM270,000.
The seizure was made on a Sungai Kelantan riverbank in Kampung Pasir Pekan, Tumpat, state Customs director Wan Jamal Abdul Salam Wan Long told a press conference here today.
He said the department also seized 1,720,000 illicit cigarettes.
"A Customs team conducted two operations in the area between 8.10pm and 9.30pm on April 24 based on tip-offs."
The unpaid taxes on the cigarettes that they seized amounted to RM1.8 million, he added.
He said a lorry was seized, but the driver ran off upon seeing the Customs officers.
"We suspect the cigarettes were brought in from Thailand and were meant for local suppliers and those in Klang Valley.
"The heated product, Blue Range, is very much in demand among the young.
"It is originally from Europe but we suspect it was rebranded in a neighbouring country.
"In the Malaysia market, it is priced at RM14 and above for 20 sticks," he added.