Spiking Cases of Tainted E-Liquid Rise Sharply as Police Work to Halt 'Toxic Smoke'

 

E-liquids laced with drugs have become a hot commodity on the local market, and the police are making every effort to track down and halt the sale of 'toxic smoke'.

Dato' Seri Hoo Kok Jin, Director of the National Police Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, stated that in 2024, the police uncovered 119 cases of tainted e-liquids, nearly quadrupling from 32 cases in 2023.

He said that since 2023, more than 65% of e-liquids seized by the police contained prohibited substances, such as synthetic cannabinoids and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), the latter typically processed into Ecstasy.

Laboratory analysis revealed that the concentration of banned substances in these e-liquids ranged between 0.3% and 1%.

As for the psychedelic substance psilocybin found in 'magic mushrooms', Hoo Kok Jin noted that the drugs enforcement unit has not yet detected the substance in any of the liquid products seized.

"The use of tainted e-liquids among young people is particularly concerning, especially as these substances are hard to detect when openly sold. The narcotics bureau is closely monitoring this situation."

"Police will conduct random inspections of vape shops and online sellers."

Hoo Kok Jin told The Star newspaper that the police will work with local governments and health departments to ensure that e-cigarette product sales comply with relevant laws. These inspections aim to disrupt supply chains and serve as a deterrent against selling illegal products.

He stated that the police are also prepared to take enforcement action under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952.

"We also encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, as collective effort is crucial in curbing this rising trend."

Recently, The Straits Times in Singapore reported that an e-liquid called Kpods has become a major concern in the country, with users as young as 12 years old.

This liquid contains etomidate, a short-acting anesthetic used in medical procedures.

Additionally, online sellers in Singapore have been marketing e-liquids spiked with ketamine.

Ketamine is an anesthetic used for induction and maintenance, and is also used to treat depression and pain.

Datuk P. Sundramoorthy, a criminologist at the Policy Studies Center of the University of Science, Malaysia, stated that due to the potential risks of selling tainted e-liquids, it's crucial for the police and related agencies to monitor vape sales outlets.

"Some individuals may adulterate e-liquids with cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, or other illegal drugs, which could pose serious health risks to users, such as severe respiratory issues, addiction, overdose, or long-term psychological effects."

"With the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes in recent years, if not properly regulated and supervised, it could be abused as a means of spreading illegal substances."