KUCHING: Police in Sarawak have in just over six months this year seized a staggering amount of vape liquid containing drugs and toxic substances compared to the whole of last year.
Altogether a total of 8,652.5 millilitres (ml) of vape liquid worth about RM1.6 million was seized between Jan 1 and July 5.
State Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) chief, Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, said the amount was nearly three times higher than the 2,968.8ml worth RM534,000 seized throughout last year.
He said police recorded 10 cases and arrested 12 individuals for possession of vape liquid suspected of containing drugs and substances regulated under the Poisons Act 1952.
“All those detained are believed to be involved in drug distribution rather than personal use,” he said, adding that none were students or minors.
He was speaking to reporters after the first meeting of the Sarawak Social Development Council (MPS) for 2026, chaired by Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, here Tuesday (July 7).
Mustafa said analysis by the Department of Chemistry found the seized vape liquid contained MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic substance listed under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, as well as intermediary substances controlled under the Poisons Act 1952.
He explained that if the quantity of synthetic drugs seized meets the legal threshold, police can investigate the case under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with whipping, upon conviction.
According to Mustafa said the vape liquid was sold discreetly through personal networks using coded language.
“So far, we have not found vape liquids containing drugs being sold at vape shops. They are distributed privately among acquaintances using specific codes known only within their circles,” he said.
He added that all vape liquid samples suspected of containing drugs must be sent to the Department of Chemistry for confirmation, with laboratory analysis taking between one and three months before charges can be filed.
Meanwhile, Fatimah said delays in obtaining chemical analysis reports have affected efforts to tackle the issue more effectively.
“Without the Department of Chemistry’s report, the police cannot proceed with court charges. The waiting period inevitably affects the efficiency of the prosecution process,” she said.
