Police cripple a drug syndicate in Seberang Perai Utara, seizing meth-laced vape liquid and other drugs worth over RM88,000

GEORGE TOWN: Police crippled a drug distribution syndicate with the arrest of two accomplices and the seizure of methamphetamine vape liquid, methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) powder, ketamine and Erimin 5 pills worth RM88,725.50 in two raids in Seberang Perai Utara on Monday.

Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said in the 9 am to 6 pm operation, a 36-year-old man and a 42-year-old local woman believed to be involved in drug trafficking and distributing drug-laced vape products were detained.

“Acting on information and intelligence gathered, a team from the Penang Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department arrested a man at a residential parking area before he led police to a house at the same location.

“Upon inspecting the premise, police detained a woman and seized various types of drugs, including 123 cartridges suspected to contain methamphetamine vape liquid weighing 1,348.36 grammes, 11 plastic packets containing MDMA powder (396 g), three packets of ketamine (2.55 g) and 70 Erimin 5 pills,” he said in a statement today.

Also seized during the raid were five electronic devices, and investigations revealed that the two suspects were part of a drug distribution syndicate, including vape products containing drugs known as ‘piau piau’.

Azizee said investigations found that the syndicate had been active since March.

“One of the suspects tested positive for methamphetamine, while both had prior records related to crime and drug offences.

“Police also seized a Toyota Altis and a Toyota Estima, each valued at RM55,000, and RM1,069 in cash, bringing the total value of drugs seized and confiscated assets to RM199,794.50,” he said.

He added that both suspects, who work as salespersons, have been remanded for seven days until May 26 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

Meanwhile, Azizee said 115 cases involving vape have been investigated, with 207 arrests made under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952 in Penang until May this year.

He said the police view the sale and distribution of drugs through vape devices seriously and are working closely with the Ministry of Health and the Penang Pharmaceutical Services Division to curb drug abuse via vaping.