Emergence of 'Piu Piu' drug proves vapes should be banned immediately - Deputy IGP

KUALA LUMPUR - The emergence of "Piu Piu", a new type of synthetic drug in the market which has been detected being mixed into electronic cigarette liquids, proves that the devices should be completely banned in the country.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the drug, a mixture of fentanyl and psychoactive chemicals, could cause severe intoxication effects, leaving users in a zombie-like state.

He said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) viewed vape usage as having deviated from its original purpose and being widely abused by drug trafficking syndicates as a modus operandi to evade detection by the authorities.

"The main issue at present is not whether vaping presents a business opportunity for certain groups, but that the device is being dangerously misused by mixing it with new drugs or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

"Vaping has now become a source of pride among teenagers, so we need to curb this problem at an early stage. Many countries have already banned it, and Malaysia must also have the political will to eradicate it," he told a press conference here today.

Earlier Ayob Khan officiated a hospital visit programme held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day celebration at Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Children's Hospital (HPKK UKM), here.

​Elaborating further, he said the police did not have the absolute authority to directly ban the use of the devices as the matter also falls under the jurisdiction of other ministries, including the Ministry of Health.

He said PDRM’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department would continue carrying out monitoring and large-scale operations on an ongoing basis, including at vape retail outlets, to curb the spread of the latest drug. - BERNAMA