Malaysia seizes 200,000 illicit cigarettes after driver crashes in Kelantan

The Malaysian Armed Forces' General Operations Force (PGA) confiscated 200,000 untaxed white cigarettes valued at RM374,000 during an early‑morning operation in Kelantan. A driver attempted to evade the patrols, accelerated for about two kilometres, lost control and plunged the Proton Preve vehicle into a canal near Kampung Kok Bedollah. The suspect fled on foot and was not apprehended.

Investigators found several sacks containing boxes of the cigarettes in the abandoned vehicle. All seized goods were handed over to the Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kelantan for further action under Section 135(1)(e) of the Customs Act 1967. Authorities are now tracing the vehicle’s owner to assist the investigation and have pledged to intensify intelligence, patrols, and enforcement along the Kelantan border to curb illicit tobacco trafficking.