Authorities have seized 718.43kg of vape products suspected of containing drugs since 2023, with 585 arrests made in a nationwide crackdown.
PETALING JAYA: A total of 718.43kg of vape and electronic cigarette products suspected of containing prohibited substances, including synthetic drugs, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), mushroom extract and other psychoactive substances, have been seized since 2023, the Home Ministry said.
In a written parliamentary reply, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution said the seizures involved 585 arrests and 400 cases from 2023 to June 2026, with the highest amount recorded in 2023 at 471.50kg, involving 66 arrests and 32 cases.
“This was followed by 62.68kg seized in 2024, involving 114 arrests and 92 cases, while seizures increased to 115.22kg in 2025, involving 138 arrests and 108 cases.
“For 2026 up to May, authorities seized 69.03kg of suspected drug-laced vape products, with 267 arrests involving 168 cases,” he added.
Saifuddin said the ministry viewed seriously the misuse of vape products containing prohibited substances, which are increasingly targeting youths and school students through online platforms, social media and courier services.
He said enforcement agencies, including the police, would continue carrying out integrated operations against syndicates involved in distributing dangerous vape products.
“During Op Vape 1.0 in April 2026, a joint operation involving the police’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, the Health Ministry, National Anti-Drugs Agency, local authorities, Fire and Rescue Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and Tenaga Nasional Berhad inspected 1,670 premises.
“Of these, 728 premises were found to have violated regulations, resulting in the seizure of 8,091 vape devices, 5,257 vape cartridges and 205.764kg of vape substances and liquids worth RM4.59 million.
“The operation also uncovered 19.67kg of substances and liquids suspected of containing drugs, valued at RM2.9 million,” he added.
Saifuddin said the ministry would strengthen cyber monitoring of online sales, enhance forensic analysis capabilities to detect emerging psychoactive substances, and take tougher action against syndicates exploiting young people as users, couriers or distributors.
“Meanwhile, enforcement would be carried out under existing laws, including the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952, alongside awareness programmes targeting youths and students on the dangers of drug-laced vape products.”
