Police refute mushroom vape claims, warn of drug rise in e-cigarettes

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have dismissed claims that hallucinogenic mushrooms are being used in vape products but raised concerns over a rise in the use of synthetic drugs in e-cigarettes, including among school students.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said there was no such thing as "magic mushroom vape" in the form of dried fungi or natural hallucinogens, as alleged on social media.
"Laboratory tests conducted by the Chemistry Department on samples seized by the NCID did not detect any natural mushroom substances.
"What's actually being sold are synthetic drugs deceptively marketed as 'magic mushroom' vapes," he said in a statement today.
He said while the term 'magic mushroom' was being used widely, it was in fact a manipulative label used by drug syndicates to promote synthetic substances.
"There is no official evidence of dried mushrooms or narcotic-laced chocolates and candies being sold, as speculated.
"What we have detected is the presence of synthetic cannabis and other psychotropic substances in vape liquids," he said in a statement today.
Between January and March this year, Hussein said police recorded 32 cases involving vape liquids containing drugs, compared to 64 cases throughout 2024 – indicating a sharp monthly increase.
"The most common substance detected was synthetic cannabis, such as MDMB-4en-PINACA and its analogues, which shows a rising trend of mixing psychoactive chemicals into vape liquids," he said.
He added that there were also cases involving stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA, which he described as alarming due to the increasing misuse of electronic delivery devices.
"The majority of samples tested confirmed the presence of illegal drugs. This proves that the use of vape as a medium to deliver drugs is real and must be addressed seriously."
Hussein said the NCID has intensified intelligence gathering and enforcement across the country in response to reports of students allegedly using drug-laced vape products.
He reminded the public to rely on verified information from police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, or health authorities, and to avoid spreading unverified news that could cause unnecessary panic.
"There is also a need to incorporate education about the dangers of synthetic vape into the school syllabus and carry out continuous awareness campaigns, especially among students," he said.
He urged parents to monitor their children's activities and belongings and engage in open discussions about the risks of vaping and drug use.
Hussein also voiced support for Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's recent call for state governments to ban the sale of vape products as a preventive measure.
"The government is currently refining its regulatory framework on vape, particularly in terms of content and distribution.
The Health Ministry, together with enforcement agencies, is working on a stricter licensing system, including mandatory lab testing of vape liquids," he said.
He said police are also monitoring online sales of drug-laced vape products, adding that enforcement efforts now cover both physical and digital spaces.
The public with information related to drug abuse or distribution are urged to contact the NCID via its hotline at 012-208 7222.