Ampang: Police have uncovered and dismantled an illegal drug-processing laboratory used to manufacture vape liquids laced with narcotics, seizing drugs valued at RM21.85 million in two separate raids on condominium units in Ampang on June 25.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the first raid led to the arrest of four individuals, including three foreign nationals-two men and a woman-and a local man. The operation resulted in the confiscation of various drugs and equipment used for vape processing.
During a press conference at the Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters, Hussein revealed that the search of the premises uncovered seven vape cartridges suspected to contain cocaine, approximately 57 grams in total, along with 2.7 kilograms of suspected powdered cocaine and 124.6 kilograms of liquid believed to contain MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine).
The second raid, conducted the same day at a different condominium unit, resulted in the seizure of 41 grams of dried cannabis, 140 grams of MDMA-laced vape liquid, and 56 grams of suspected powdered cocaine. A 28-year-old foreign man was arrested in the second operation and later tested positive for morphine during a urine test.
Initial investigations revealed that one of the foreign suspects acted as the chemist, while the others served as runners and assistants. The syndicate is believed to have been active since October 2024.
Background checks indicated that two of the foreign male suspects detained in the first raid had prior criminal records, including document forgery, criminal intimidation, fraud, drug-related offences, public disorder, and assault.
Hussein explained that the syndicate’s modus operandi involved renting two condominium units, each at RM6,000 per month, which were then converted into laboratories for processing drug-infused vape liquids intended for distribution to both local and international markets. He added that the group’s estimated monthly profit from the operation was around RM200,000.
In addition to the drugs, police also seized vehicles, local and foreign currencies, laptops, jewellery, and branded watches, bringing the total value of seizures and confiscated assets to RM21.9 million.
All suspects have been remanded for seven days from June 26 to assist investigations under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for the mandatory death penalty upon conviction.