Parents and guardians have been urged to closely monitor their children’s movements and behavioural changes following concerns over electronic cigarettes or vape products allegedly containing the dangerous drug furanyl fentanyl.
Royal Malaysia Police Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said authorities discovered that vape products containing the banned substance were not being sold openly, but were instead believed to be offered only to selected individuals.
“We believe the sale of vapes containing these drugs is not carried out openly. If such products are being sold, they are likely targeted at specific individuals,” he told Sinar Harian on Wednesday.
Hussein said parents and guardians must remain alert to their children’s whereabouts and pay attention to any unusual behavioural changes, especially if they are known to use vape products.
“If parents discover their children are involved in vaping activities, they should observe any changes in behaviour. If there are suspicions, they should contact the nearest police station,” he said.
He also revealed that authorities are preparing to launch Op Vape 2.0 soon following the success of Op Vape 1.0, which was conducted nationwide from April 13 to April 17.
Police previously reported that inspections were carried out at 1,670 premises during the operation. Authorities seized 8,091 vape devices and 5,257 electronic cigarette cartridges, along with various types of drugs weighing a total of 19.67 kilograms.
Among the items confiscated were 18.55kg of furanyl fentanyl liquid, 0.66kg of methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA) powder, 0.012kg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) liquid and 0.45kg of ketum water.
Hussein said authorities also seized 186.54kg of vape liquid without drugs, which is being investigated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
The total value of the seizures was estimated at RM4.6 million, with the drug-related substances alone valued at approximately RM2.88 million.
A total of 20 individuals were arrested during the operation. Of that number, 13 are being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, while the remaining seven cases involve possession and distribution of prohibited substances.
Authorities also issued compliance notices to 142 vape business premises, seized five premises and handed out 1,148 compounds during the enforcement operation.
Hussein further revealed that investigations uncovered attempts by syndicates to introduce electronic cigarette products containing furanyl fentanyl into the local market, although the drug-laced liquids are believed to have been smuggled in from overseas.
According to him, fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug, with effects estimated to be 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin or morphine.
