The arrests of vape smugglers who bribed their way through Malaysia’s main airport have put a spotlight on what medical experts call a worsening health crisis arising from the consumption of the nicotine-laced substance, including the use of vapes laced with illegal drugs.
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The crime gang had paid customs officers based at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) a total of up to US$45,000 every month to close an eye on millions of dollars of unregulated vapes, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said on Friday.
Over 17.9 million ringgit (US$4 million) worth of vapes and related items were seized by the authorities, MACC chief Azam Baki said, adding that the syndicate involved had operated since 2023.
“Our investigations have just begun, and we are identifying other suspects and those involved in the smuggling activity,” Azam told reporters.
The authorities arrested 14 suspects after a sting operation lasting over three months.
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The consumption and sale of vape products under strict regulations are legal in most Malaysian states except for Johor, where a ban has been in place since 2018, and Terengganu. In 2023, Malaysia’s government removed liquid or gel nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952, but the move created a loophole that allows minors to buy vape products without restrictions.