The use of electronic cigarettes or vape devices has been identified as a new and increasingly worrying trend in synthetic drug abuse, with authorities warning that it is far harder to detect compared to traditional narcotics.
National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the sophisticated method of mixing various synthetic drugs into vape liquid poses a major challenge for enforcement agencies, particularly in screening and identifying emerging substances in the market.
He said latest AADK data shows that 73 per cent of all identified drug users in the country this year are involved in synthetic drug consumption.
Of this group, youths aged between 15 and 39 make up the majority, accounting for 81 per cent of synthetic drug users.
“Profiling and feedback from clients at rehabilitation centres show that drug use through vape devices is increasing due to the variety of illegal substances being mixed into them,” he said when met today.
Ruslin had earlier appeared at Balai Berita Bangsar for a talk programme on Wanita Hari Ini (WHI).
He explained that while the regulation of vape devices falls under the Ministry of Health (MOH), AADK together with the Home Ministry (KDN) view the issue as highly serious and requiring urgent attention.
He noted that earlier trends involved substances such as “Magic Mushroom” and synthetic cannabinoids, but traffickers have now become more sophisticated in their methods.
“Recent seizures by police also found drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl being processed into cartridge form, making them easier to insert directly into vape devices,” he said.
Ruslin stressed that a more coordinated and comprehensive enforcement approach is needed to break the supply chain.
He added that AADK is strengthening its three core pillars — enforcement, prevention, and treatment — with a strong focus on reducing demand, particularly among youth.
