Police apprehended two Taiwanese men last Wednesday during a raid on a condominium in Brickfields, where they were operating a laboratory for processing drug-laced vape liquid. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs valued at RM3.29 million.
DCP Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali, the Acting Director of the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) Bukit Aman, reported that the raid, conducted at 10:30 PM, uncovered 20 five-liter plastic containers and six 0.5-liter bottles filled with amphetamine vape liquid.
Additionally, authorities discovered various equipment used for processing the drug-laced vape liquid, including a mixer, heating machine, weighing scale, sealing machine, three glass beakers, one plastic funnel, and 95 empty cartridges believed to be intended for filling the vape liquid.
"An initial technical analysis has revealed that this syndicate is believed to be producing vape liquid infused with amphetamines, specifically fluoroamphetamine and paramethoxyamphetamine. These substances have psychoactive and toxic effects similar to those of ecstasy on users.
During a press conference at the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters, Mohd Salahuddin stated, 'The adverse effects of consumption can include seizures, liver failure, dangerously high body temperature, psychosis, brain damage, emotional disturbances, severe addiction, and even sudden death from heart attack or respiratory failure.'
He also mentioned that the two suspects, aged 30 and 35, worked as chemists and sourced the drug ingredients from China. To avoid detection while processing their drug-laced vape liquids, the syndicate operated out of secure condominiums."
The premises were rented for RM4,100 per month, and it is believed that the processing locations are changed every three months. Chemists from Taiwan are brought in, and local workers are hired to deceive the authorities.
Both suspects were involved in guarding the vape liquid processing site and delivering the product to customers. They entered the country on social visit passes, having done so twice this year—once at the beginning of the year and again earlier this month.
The amphetamine-laced vape liquid was sold locally for RM180 per cartridge and internationally for approximately RM400 per cartridge. Additionally, urine screening tests showed that both suspects tested negative for drugs, although they have criminal records in their home country.
"We have reviewed the past records of both suspects in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB) and Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau to trace their histories and support the comprehensive investigation of this case.
The findings indicated that the first suspect has a history of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, while the second suspect has multiple criminal records, including murder, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses," he stated.
The investigation is being conducted under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and actions are also being taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, which includes the seizure of a Honda AFS125 motorcycle belonging to the first suspect, valued at RM7,000. — Bernama
