AMPANG JAYA, SELANGOR — Four individuals, including three Singaporean nationals, have been arrested in a major drug bust in Malaysia involving nearly 10 litres of cocaine concealed in vape liquid. The operation, conducted by the Royal Malaysian Police on June 19, uncovered 4,958 vape cartridges containing liquid cocaine with an estimated street value of RM7.29 million (US$1.71 million).
Acting Director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin bin Che Ali, revealed during a press conference that the syndicate had been using luxury condominiums in Kuala Lumpur as drug processing and packaging centers. The suspects reportedly rented units through Airbnb for RM300 per night, where they prepared the drug-laced vape cartridges for international distribution.
The syndicate is believed to have been operational since March 2024, and according to police, was targeting the elite market due to the rarity and high cost of liquid cocaine in Southeast Asia. Each 1.9ml vape cartridge could fetch up to RM1,500 internationally.
The suspects were paid daily wages ranging from S$100 to S$200 (US$78–$156) for their involvement. One of the four men tested positive for ketamine, and two were found to have previous criminal and narcotics-related offenses.
The arrests followed two coordinated raids on June 19. During the first raid at around 11:45 a.m., police intercepted a Toyota Vellfire at a hotel exit in Ampang Jaya. Inside, they discovered 10 boxes filled with the cocaine-laced vape cartridges. In the subsequent raid, a 31-year-old Singaporean man—believed to be the mastermind behind the operation—was arrested in the hotel lobby.
The suspects include:
- A 57-year-old Malaysian driver
- Three Singaporean men aged 25 to 46
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. Two of the suspects have been remanded until June 26.
Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) confirmed it is aware of the arrests and is cooperating with Malaysian authorities. “CNB will render the required assistance… As their investigation is ongoing, it is inappropriate to comment further at this point,” a spokesperson said.
This case underscores the increasing sophistication of drug syndicates in the region and highlights the continued collaboration between Southeast Asian law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational drug trafficking.
