Drug-laced vape liquid, called 'Magic Mushroom', sold to teens from just RM1
KUALA LUMPUR: Illicit vape liquids containing synthetic drugs, including a psychoactive substance known as "Magic Mushroom", are being sold for as little as RM1 per drop, and are fast gaining popularity among school students, TV3's Buletin Utama reported today.
A 17-year-old teenager, who identified himself only as Zul, revealed that he became addicted to the substance at age 14, a year after he began vaping at 13.
"I tried it because a friend offered it to me in the school toilet," he said.
Zul said the drug-laced vape liquid was sold by the drop.
"Each drop costs around RM1. A 1ml bottle is priced at RM20, while 2ml can go up to RM30 or RM40, depending on who's selling and how good you are at bargaining," he added.
His addiction escalated to the point where, after his mother stopped giving him pocket money, he resorted to stealing to fund his cravings.
"When the craving kicks in, there's no such thing as saving money. If you don't have cash, you have to steal. That's the last resort."
In a similar case, another teen, Hasiq (not real name), also became addicted due to peer pressure and the easy availability of the substance.
Now undergoing treatment at the National Narcotics Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) in Karangan, Kedah, Hasiq described the devastating effects of the drug.
"I tried it at first because it smelled nice. It was just RM10. After that, I felt like my life was stuck on repeat. I would sleep for 24 hours straight. Even when I woke up, I felt half-conscious. Once the effect wore off, I would go out, buy more, come home, and sleep again."
Hasiq is among 22 minors currently undergoing treatment at the centre, which has reported a rise in cases involving vape addiction linked to synthetic drugs.
Parents of the affected teenagers expressed frustration and anger over how easily the substance is being sold — sometimes even at regular convenience stores.
One mother recounted confronting her child about where he had obtained the drug.
"I asked my son, and he just said, 'Right here, RM25.' So my husband and I went to the shop he pointed out. It looked like an ordinary store."
"I've filed a police report, but checks revealed no illegal items. Still, I went back to the shop myself and saw what was going on. I'm furious. If possible, I want places like this shut down. But no one is taking action. If this continues, more children will fall victim."
Authorities have yet to comment on the specific cases, but the growing trend of vape-related drug abuse among Malaysian youths has prompted urgent calls for tighter regulation and proactive enforcement against the sale of illegal vape liquids - particularly those laced with psychoactive substances.
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