Illicit cigarette smuggling remains a persistent challenge for crime control and justice systems due to its economic profitability, organised networks, and evolving operational methods. In Malaysia, the smuggling of untaxed cigarettes contributes to substantial revenue losses while also raising concerns about organised crime, regulatory enforcement, and public health. Responding to ongoing debates within criminology about “what works” in crime prevention and policing, this study examines how illicit cigarette smuggling operates at the local level and how enforcement actors perceive the effectiveness and limitations of current responses. This research adopts a qualitative case-study approach, focusing on Kuala Selangor, a coastal district identified as vulnerable to contraband activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten informants, including enforcement officers and community members with knowledge of local smuggling activities. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to explore drivers of smuggling, the role of digital technologies in facilitating illicit trade, and challenges faced by policing and enforcement agencies. Findings suggest that illicit cigarette smuggling is sustained by economic incentives, strong consumer demand for low-cost tobacco products, and logistical opportunities in semi-rural coastal areas. Participants also highlighted the increasing use of digital communication platforms to coordinate distribution and sales. Enforcement challenges reported include limited manpower, technological constraints, and inter-agency coordination issues. These findings provide qualitative insights into the dynamics of illicit trade and highlight considerations for improving policing and crime-prevention strategies in digitally mediated contraband markets.