KUALA LUMPUR – Police have foiled an international drug syndicate’s attempt to smuggle cocaine disguised as vape cartridges, seizing nearly 5,000 cartridges worth RM7.2 million in a raid in Ampang Jaya last Thursday.
Four men were arrested – a 57-year-old Malaysian and three Singaporeans aged between 25 and 46 – during the operation by Bukit Aman’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID).
Acting NCID director Datuk Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali said officers intercepted a Toyota Vellfire at a hotel car park in the capital around 11.45am and discovered 10 boxes containing 4,958 vape cartridges filled with cocaine liquid, totalling 9,420 millilitres.
“The drugs are worth RM7.2 million. Investigations show the syndicate used Malaysia as a transit point before exporting the cartridges via air courier,” he told reporters today.
The group, believed to have been active since March, had rented an Airbnb unit in Ampang at RM300 per night to process and pack the drug-filled vapes for international markets.
“Each 1.9ml cartridge could fetch about RM1,500 overseas. This form of cocaine is rare in Southeast Asia and is typically consumed by the elite,” Mat Zani said.
One suspect tested positive for ketamine, while two others have prior drug-related criminal records.
Besides the drug haul, police also seized items worth RM2,975 for forfeiture, bringing the total seizure value to RM7.29 million.
“This is Malaysia’s first case involving cocaine in vape form. We believe the syndicate used this method to avoid detection and ease international delivery,” he added.
All four suspects have been remanded from June 20 to 26 and are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the mandatory death penalty.
Scoop previously reported that police are intensifying efforts to dismantle syndicates distributing drug-laced vape products online.
Working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), authorities are targeting operations using encrypted messaging apps and social media to sell vape liquids laced with MDMA (ecstasy), synthetic cannabinoids and other illicit substances.
“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 Mat Zani.
“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,” he told Scoop.
The NCID has also identified makeshift drug labs producing vape liquids spiked with synthetic compounds like MDMB-4en-Pinaca and ADB-Butinaca.
Last year, police arrested 17 individuals for distributing such products – up from five the year before. Four more suspects have been detained so far this year.
Young people remain the main target group, with five minors arrested in 2023 and another already this year.
“These products are being marketed as trendy and harmless, but they contain powerful synthetic drugs,” added Mat Zani.
In one incident, a man reportedly collapsed and died at a Johor Bahru nightclub after allegedly inhaling a vape laced with a recreational drug known as “Piao Piao.” – June 23, 2025