3 Singaporeans Arrested in Malaysia for Allegedly Running Syndicate Selling Cocaine-Laced Vapes Worth S$2.2 Million
Three Singaporeans have been arrested in Malaysia, suspected of being part of a cross-border drug syndicate using Malaysia as a base to distribute cocaine-infused vape cartridges. The bust, which took place on 19 June just outside Kuala Lumpur, has stunned both Singaporean and Malaysian authorities due to the scale and unusual method of trafficking.
Massive Seizure in Selangor Hotel Carpark
Acting on a tip-off, Malaysian police from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) moved in on a Toyota Vellfire parked at a hotel exit in Ampang Jaya, Selangor. Inside the vehicle, officers arrested two Singaporeans — aged 46 and 25 — along with a 57-year-old Malaysian. A third Singaporean suspect, aged 31, was arrested shortly after in the hotel lobby.
During the vehicle search, officers discovered 10 boxes filled with 4,958 vape cartridges containing a total of 9.42 litres of liquid, suspected to be laced with cocaine. The estimated street value of the drugs: RM7.29 million, or about S$2.2 million — enough to affect 5,000 individuals, according to authorities.
Malaysia Used as Transit Hub in New Drug Trend
Police revealed that the syndicate, allegedly active since March, had been packaging the drug-laced vapes in luxury condominiums around Kuala Lumpur. The plan was to use Malaysia as a regional transit hub, distributing the vapes to overseas markets, where each cartridge could fetch as much as RM1,500 (S$450). Each cartridge reportedly provides up to 100 hits.
NCID’s acting director, Mat Zani @ Mohd Salahuddin, warned this was a “new and dangerous trend,” as cocaine is rarely trafficked in Southeast Asia due to its high cost and niche market. He emphasised the growing threat of vape-related drug smuggling, a method that’s harder to detect and appeals to wealthier consumers.
Singaporeans Allegedly Paid S$100-S$200 Daily to Pack Vapes
Further investigations revealed that two of the Singaporeans and the Malaysian were paid between S$100 and S$200 per day to assist in packing the cocaine-laced vapes. The 31-year-old Singaporean, who tested positive for ketamine during a urine test, is believed to be the main supplier and had a more active role in the operation.
He was allegedly assisted by the others, including the car driver. At least one of the suspects has prior criminal records, including a drug trafficking conviction in Singapore, while two others had clean records.
Authorities also seized RM2,975 (S$900) worth of assets under Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act, including a beaded bracelet with dragon charms and a gold-coloured sycee.
Facing the Death Penalty Under Malaysian Law
All four suspects have been remanded for seven days to assist in investigations, which are ongoing. They are being investigated under Section 39B of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, they could face the mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
This arrest comes amid rising concerns about illegal drugs being disguised in e-vaporiser fluids — a growing issue in Southeast Asia where drug syndicates are becoming more creative and tech-savvy.