A Singaporean man has been arrested in Johor Bahru following what authorities described as the largest bust involving drug-laced vape cartridges in the Malaysian state. The arrest forms part of a coordinated police operation that uncovered a significant quantity of illicit substances believed to be destined for distribution within the region.
Johor police carried out two raids in the early hours of the morning, leading to the detention of two men aged 25 and 38. One suspect is a Malaysian national, while the other is a Singaporean. The operations were conducted within a short time frame and targeted locations believed to be linked to a wider drug distribution syndicate operating across Johor.
The first arrest took place in Taman Mount Austin, where Malaysian police detained a man outside a bank. A subsequent search of a nearby house in Taman Setia Indah led to the discovery of thousands of vape cartridges suspected to be laced with ketamine, along with packets of ecstasy powder.
MAJOR SEIZURE OF DRUG-LACED VAPE PRODUCTS
During the house raid, police seized approximately 3,200 vape cartridges believed to contain about 11.2 litres of liquid ketamine. In addition, officers found 48 packets of ecstasy powder. The total street value of the seized drugs was estimated at around S$313,000, after converting from Malaysian ringgit.
Authorities said the vape cartridges were individually filled with around 3.4ml of ketamine and sold at roughly S$95 each. Based on these estimates, the drugs seized could have supplied up to 6,400 users, highlighting the scale of the operation and the growing concern over drug-infused vaping products in Southeast Asia.
The Singaporean man was arrested during the second raid in Taman Molek, located about a 20-minute drive from the first arrest site. While no illegal items were found on him at the time, police believe he was linked to the syndicate’s activities. A vehicle and cash amounting to approximately S$44,000 were also seized during the operation.
SUSPECTED SYNDICATE OPERATIONS AND MODUS OPERANDI
Investigators believe the syndicate had been active since at least December 2025. According to police, one suspect allegedly handled the distribution of the drug-laced vape cartridges, while the other managed financial transactions and logistics.
The group reportedly used a residential property as a storage hub and relied on runners to distribute the products. Drugs were delivered using a “drop point” method, allowing customers or intermediaries to collect the items discreetly at pre-arranged locations. This method is commonly associated with organised drug syndicates seeking to avoid direct contact.
Both suspects tested negative for drug use and were reported to have no prior criminal records. Despite this, authorities stressed that the scale of the seizure points to a well-organised operation rather than a one-off offence.
SEVERE PENALTIES UNDER MALAYSIAN LAW
The case is currently being investigated under Section 39B of Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, the suspects face the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a mandatory minimum of 12 strokes of the cane.
The arrest has renewed concerns in Singapore and Malaysia over the rise of drug-laced vape products, particularly given their appeal to younger users and the serious health risks involved. Authorities on both sides of the Causeway continue to warn that such offences carry severe legal consequences and pose a major threat to public safety.