PETALING JAYA: Police are intensifying efforts to track down and put an end to the sale of drug-laced vape fluids, a trend that has been picking up steam since last year.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin (pic) said 119 cases of drug-laced vape seizures were made by police in 2024, a four-fold rise compared with 2023, when there were only 32 such cases.
He said over 65% of the vape liquids seized since 2023 contained banned substances such as synthetic cannabinoids and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is usually processed into ecstasy pills.
He said laboratory analysis showed that the amount of the illicit substances in the liquids ranged from 0.3% to 1%.
On psilocybin, the hallucinogenic substance found in “magic mushrooms”, Comm Khaw said none of the liquids seized by NCID so far contained the substance.
“NCID is closely monitoring this situation as it concerns the use of drug-laced vapes among the youth, particularly given that these substances can be difficult to detect when sold openly.
“Random checks on vape shops and online sellers will also be conducted,” he told The Star.
Comm Khaw said police will also collaborate with local councils and health authorities to ensure compliance with laws governing vape product sales, with such checks aimed at disrupting supply chains and to act as a deterrent against the sale of illicit products.
He said police are also prepared to enforce the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952 should the need arise.
“We also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to authorities as this collective effort would be crucial to curbing this growing trend,” he said.
Singapore’s Straits Times recently reported that a vape liquid called Kpods has become a growing scourge in the republic, with users as young as 12 having access to it.
The liquid contains etomidate, a short-acting anaesthetic used in medical procedures.
There are also online sellers in Singapore who offer liquids laced with ketamine for sale.
Ketamine is an anaesthetic used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, with other uses being for treating depression and pain.
Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research said it is crucial for police and other relevant agencies to monitor vape sales outlets due to the potential risks associated with the sale of adulterated vape liquids.
“Some individuals may adulterate vape liquids with substances such as cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids or other illicit drugs, which pose significant health risks to users such as severe respiratory issues, addiction, overdose or even long-term psychological effects.
“Vaping has become increasingly popular in the recent years, and without proper regulation and oversight, it can be misused as a method for distributing illicit substances,” he said.
