Marijuana, meth found in Malaysian e-cigarettes

Marijuana, meth found in Malaysian e-cigarettes

The vape liquids sold in Johor have been found to contain drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamine and ketum juice, said the Malaysian Government.

Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the information was obtained by enforcement agencies, including the National Anti-drug Agency (AADK) and the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam), local daily Berita Harian reported.

Mr Ayub said the Johor Health Department had received information from AADK and Pemadam Johor on the increased number of flavoured vape liquids being mixed with drugs, including methamphetamines and cannabis, at sales premises.

He said it was worrying that the electronic cigarettes were being abused, reported the Malay Mail.

CRACKDOWN

"It's a rather scary development, especially for the young people in the state who may be exposed to drug addiction," he added.

The Health Ministry recently raided vape shops and confiscated nicotine products.

The ministry also said it had formed a special committee to study the issues surrounding the vape industry following a heated debate over a proposed ban on vaping, reported The Star.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the committee would be the point of reference for the issues to prevent conflicting statements from other government departments.

Last Thursday, vape store owners were caught by surprise when the Health Ministry conducted nationwide raids, which businessmen claimed caused losses running into millions of ringgit.

The raids and confiscation were done to monitor the nicotine content of vape liquid in the market, and because some stores did not possess a valid licence.


This article was first published on November 9, 2015.
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