Perlis cops nab 3, seize drug-filled vape cartridges worth over RM34mil

Perlis police chief Muhammad Abdul Halim (centre) said the vape liquid seized was enough to supply 457,000 users. (PDRM pic)

PETALING JAYA: Perlis police have arrested three suspects, including a Thai woman, and seized vape cartridges containing furanylfentanyl worth RM34.23 million.

State police chief Muhammad Abdul Halim said the suspects, aged between 38 and 68, were arrested in three separate raids across the state from July 1 to 3.

He said the Thai national was arrested in Kampung Panggas, Kangar, on July 1 after police inspected a warehouse and uncovered 172 boxes containing 75,540 vape cartridges with 188.85 litres of furanylfentanyl, worth an estimated RM28.33 million.

The arrest and seizure led to a second raid on July 2, during which police arrested a 68-year-old local man at Kampung Guar Musang, Bukit Keteri, and seized 35 boxes containing 21,000 cartridges of the same drug, worth an estimated RM5.9 million.

“On July 3 in Ulu Pauh, Arau, police also arrested a 55-year-old local man believed to be involved in the same syndicate.

“Investigations found that the syndicate’s modus operandi was to use warehouses and residences as transit points for the drugs before sending them to neighbouring countries.

“A total of 228.75 litres (of vape liquid) was seized, estimated to be enough to supply 457,000 users,” Berita Harian reported him as saying today.

Muhammad said urine tests on the three suspects found only one of them positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Checks found that the other two had previous criminal records for offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act for drug trafficking.