Police have arrested two drug traffickers, including a woman, believed to be involved in distributing vape-based drugs known as “Piau-Piau” following two raids in Seberang Perai Utara on Wednesday.
In the operation conducted between 9am and 6pm, officers seized various drugs including syabu, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) powder, ketamine, and Erimin 5 pills, with an estimated total value of RM88,725.
Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the raids were carried out by the state Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN), resulting in the arrest of two local suspects aged 36 and 42.
He said the first suspect, a man, was detained in a vehicle parking area where drugs were found, leading police to a second location nearby where a woman was also arrested.
“Further checks at the residence uncovered 123 vape cartridges containing liquid syabu weighing about 1,348.36 grammes, 11 packets of MDMA powder weighing 396 grammes, and three packets of ketamine weighing 2.55 grammes,” he said in a statement.
Police also seized seven aluminium foil boards containing 70 Erimin 5 pills weighing 21.37 grammes, along with five electronic devices.
Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had been active since March this year.
Both suspects tested positive for drugs during urine screening and also have prior criminal and drug-related records.
Authorities also seized RM1,069 in cash and two cars for further investigation. Both suspects have been remanded for seven days until May 26.
Azizee said JSJN takes the distribution and sale of synthetic drugs seriously and will continue enforcement operations to prevent the activity from spreading.
He added that from January to May this year, police have recorded 207 arrests involving 115 vape-related drug cases under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Poisons Act 1952.
JSJN is also working closely with the Health Ministry and the Pharmacy Department to curb the misuse of vape devices for drug distribution.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
