Two local men were fined after being convicted of possessing contraband vape products, e-cigarettes, vape juice and cigarettes.
Muhammad Asnawi bin Zaini, 27, was fined BND163,318 and would have to serve 40 months’ imprisonment in default of payment.
Mohammad Aiman Shazni bin Sazali, 22, was fined BND118,650 and would have to serve 20 months’ imprisonment in default.
The pair were charged under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006.
Sitting in the Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Sharifah Nur Baqiyah Malai Shahran heard that the offences stemmed from operations conducted on July 23, 2024 at the Sungai Tujoh Customs Control Post, Kuala Belait, and on November 12, 2024 at a residence in Perpindahan Rimba Gadong.
Authorities seized 1,177 units of vape products, e-cigarettes and vape juice of various types, one vape device, four cigarettes and two vape batteries.
All seized items were ordered to be forfeited and handed over to the Government for disposal.
Cash amounting to BND4,906 and a vehicle linked to the offences were also forfeited to the Government for further action.