KUALA LUMPUR: Police have called for a total ban on electronic cigarettes and vape devices after a new synthetic drug dubbed “Piu Piu” was detected in vape liquids.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said drug syndicates are increasingly pushing narcotics, particularly trendy psychoactive substances (NPS), via vape devices.
"The main issue today is not whether vaping is a business opportunity for certain groups.
“The real concern is that these devices are being dangerously abused by mixing them with new drugs or new NPS," he told reporters after visiting Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani Hospital on Thursday (June 11) in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration.
Ayob Khan warned that vaping was increasingly rampant among teenagers, making early intervention crucial.
"Vaping has become something of a trend and a source of pride among youths. We need to curb this problem before it worsens. Many countries have already banned vape products, and Malaysia should have the political will to do the same," he said.
He said that as the police do not have the authority to impose a nationwide ban on vape products, it falls on other agencies, including the Health Ministry, to achieve that goal.
He said the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) would continue to monitor and conduct inspections of vape outlets to prevent the spread of the new drug.
Ayob Khan stressed that the police, particularly the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS), would not compromise with officers found colluding with drug syndicates.
He said stern action, including disciplinary measures and dismissal from service, had been taken against personnel involved in drug abuse or addiction.
"We conduct regular monitoring through JIPS and other relevant departments, including urine screening of all police officers and personnel.
"In the past, we have also arrested a senior police officer who was a former state NCID chief in the East Coast for drug-related offences. Action has already been taken against him," he said.
