KUALA LUMPUR – Police are collaborating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a nationwide operation to dismantle syndicates using social media platforms to distribute drug-laced vape products.
The Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) told Scoop that syndicates are increasingly turning to encrypted communication channels and digital platforms to sell vape liquids infused with MDMA (commonly known as ecstasy), synthetic cannabinoids, and other harmful substances to unsuspecting youths and habitual users.
“These syndicates aren’t operating in the open. They use encrypted messaging apps, social media ads disguised as legitimate promotions, and courier services to deliver these ‘special’ products directly to buyers,” said NCID acting director DCP Mat Zani Mohd Sallahuddin Che Ali when contacted.
He said police have intensified cyber-monitoring efforts with MCMC to track and disable online accounts linked to the distribution of these illicit vape products.
“MCMC has been instrumental in helping us identify suspicious accounts, monitor high-risk content, and flag illegal sellers. Their cyber-surveillance capabilities are critical to our investigations,” DCP Mat Zani added.
According to NCID records, five individuals were arrested in 2023 for distributing drug-laced vape liquids. That figure surged to 17 last year, and four more suspects have already been detained this year—including two just last month.
In one recent case, police uncovered a makeshift drug laboratory and seized a litre of vape liquid laced with MDMA.
Investigations also revealed that the syndicates are manufacturing their own vape liquids, often spiked with synthetic compounds such as MDMB-4en-Pinaca and ADB-Butinaca.
“These liquids are packaged to look like ordinary vape juice, making it extremely difficult for the public—and even retailers—to detect,” said Mat Zani.
Young people remain the primary target, with five minors arrested last year for possession of drug-laced vape products. Another underage individual was detained in the first quarter of this year.
“These products are being marketed as trendy and harmless, but they contain powerful synthetic drugs. We urge schools and universities to report suspicious cases immediately,” he said.
In 2023, authorities seized 471.5 litres of drug-laced vape liquids and 45 vape devices. While no devices have been confiscated so far this year, police have already seized 1.8 litres of contaminated vape liquid in the first three months alone.
DCP Mat Zani said that enforcement efforts will be ramped up, particularly on retailers and distributors nationwide.
“Thorough checks will be carried out to ensure no banned substances are being sold or disguised as legal products. Offenders will face immediate action, including possible revocation of their business licences,” he warned.
He also urged state governments to take proactive measures, including implementing temporary bans if needed.
“Some states have already moved to restrict vape sales, and we’ve seen positive outcomes. We strongly urge other states to do the same while awaiting the federal government’s finalised legislation. State authorities have the jurisdiction to act—and they should,” he said.
The Health Ministry has yet to table a federal bill regulating vape sales. In the meantime, states such as Johor, Kelantan, and Penang have implemented their own bans or restrictions on vape product sales.
In a related incident, a 50-year-old man reportedly collapsed and died at a nightclub in Johor Bahru after allegedly inhaling a vape laced with “Piao Piao,” a recreational drug gaining traction in underground party circles. – May 28, 2025