Over 70pct of seized vapes contain drugs, says Health Ministry
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said a total of 96 investigation papers were opened between January 2023 and March this year over vape products that tested positive for banned substances.
"More than 70 per cent of these cases involved vape liquids confirmed to contain synthetic drugs such as synthetic cannabinoids and amphetamines," he told reporters after officiating the World No Tobacco Day and World Tuberculosis Day events here today.
Also present were Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and Johor Health Department director Dr Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad.
Lukanisman said the ministry's laboratories are now working closely with the police to further analyse seized samples and trace their source of production.
"We are targeting enforcement at the manufacturing level, including factories and vape liquid producers, to determine the composition of these substances.
"While we've yet to identify the specific producers or origin of the drug-laced vape liquids, our data-gathering efforts are ongoing and will support enforcement under relevant laws, including those under the jurisdiction of the police," he said.
In May, the ministry set up a special committee to monitor the suspected abuse of narcotics through vaping.
Health deputy director-general (Public Health) Dr Ismuni Bohari had said the ministry was reviewing current enforcement provisions under the newly implemented Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024.
Lukanisman stressed that the issue of drug-laced vape products must not be taken lightly, as it poses a serious threat, particularly to teenagers and unsuspecting consumers.
"We will not allow drug-laced vape products to continue circulating in the market.
"Our next step is to identify the syndicates behind their distribution," he added.
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