KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman is planning to deploy saliva drug-testing kits at roadblocks nationwide to detect motorists driving under the influence (DUI) of synthetic drug-laced vape liquids marketed as “Piu Piu” and “Magic Mushroom”.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the move comes amid growing concerns that road accidents are being linked to motorists impaired by synthetic drugs consumed through electronic cigarettes or vape devices.
He said some motorists were unknowingly becoming intoxicated while driving after inhaling the substances through vape devices.
“Both Piu Piu and Magic Mushroom are commercial terms used to market synthetic liquid drugs that are inserted into vape devices,” he told a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters yesterday.
Comm Hussein said police believe several road accidents in the country were caused by motorists who had inhaled those substances.
He warned that the drugs, which are easily obtained, could leave users in a state of intoxication that severely impairs their judgment.
“If this issue is not addressed immediately, we cannot rule out the possibility of an increase in road accidents caused by drug-impaired driving.”
Comm Hussein urged the government to take stronger measures against vape products to help authorities curb abuse.
The NCID, he said, has also appealed to the government to approve funding for the purchase of saliva drug-testing kits, with the aim to deploy them at roadblocks by year-end.
Police are also working with the Health Ministry and the National Anti-Drug Agency to tackle the growing problem.
Earlier, Comm Hussein expressed concern over the rising abuse of illegal inhalants, noting that the substances had also been detected among secondary school students.
“We recorded 108 cases involving 138 arrests nationwide last year for offences related to synthetic drug-laced vape liquids.
“As of June 10 this year, the figures had risen sharply to 168 cases and 267 arrests.”
Comm Hussein also echoed the call made by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay for a ban on all vapes.
“While only about 10% of vape users in Malaysia use drug-laced ones, the threat is significant as such users could endanger others,” he said.
