Three drug vape syndicates busted, over RM45.6 million in seizures

Malaysian authorities have dismantled three major syndicates involved in distributing synthetic drug-laced vapes, seizing assets valued at over RM45.6 million. The operations, codenamed Op Kesing, Op Madarini, and Op Eristalis, took place in the Klang Valley and Selangor between July 23 and 25.

During these coordinated raids, 14 individuals, comprising both Malaysian citizens and foreign nationals, were apprehended. The crackdown by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) was intensified following a disturbing incident on July 22, where seven secondary school students in Sentul were found in a dazed state, reportedly after consuming vape liquids containing synthetic drugs. Two of the affected students required emergency medical treatment.

Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, Director of NCID Bukit Aman, highlighted the escalating threat posed by these drug-infused vapes, emphasizing the need for decisive action to curb their spread. The syndicates employed various tactics, including importing illicit substances and vape equipment from abroad, using false declarations disguised as accessories or fruit juices to bypass customs.

In Op Kesing, nine suspects, including a local man believed to be the mastermind, three local men, five foreign women, and one foreign man, were arrested. Op Madarini resulted in the capture of two local men and one foreign man suspected of using houses in the Klang Valley as storage and packaging hubs for the drug vapes destined for overseas markets. Police confiscated 1,340 vape cartridges containing MDMA, estimated to be worth RM402,000.

Furthermore, Op Eristalis led to the arrest of a foreign man and woman attempting to smuggle drug supplies to a neighboring country via sea routes. The syndicate utilized a fish processing factory as a storage point before dispatching the goods via boat. Authorities are committed to eradicating this new form of drug distribution and protecting the community, particularly the youth, from its harmful effects.