Penang police bust ‘Piau Piau’ vape‑drug syndicate, arrest two and seize RM199,000 in drugs and assets

“GEORGE TOWN, May 21 — Drugs packed into vape cartridges and sold on the streets as “Piau Piau” have resurfaced in Penang, after police busted a syndicate and seized almost RM200,000 worth of drugs and assets. Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said a man and woman aged between 36 and 42 were arrested after carrying out raids in Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) between 9am and 6pm on May 19. He said the syndicate was found to be distributing a mix of methamphetamine liquid, MDMA powder, ketamine and Erimin 5 pills, with drugs concealed in vape‑style cartridges. “Two raids were conducted in SPU, leading to the arrest of a male suspect at a parking area, who later led officers to a residence where a female suspect was also detained,” he said in a statement released today. He said the seizure included 123 cartridges suspected to contain methamphetamine liquid weighing 1,348.36 g, 11 packets of MDMA powder weighing 396 g, three packets of ketamine weighing 2.55 g, and 70 Erimin 5 pills weighing 21.37 g, alongside five electronic devices. It is believed the syndicate has been active since March this year, with investigations indicating the drugs could be used for approximately 300 doses. “Urine screening found one suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, while both individuals also had prior criminal and drug-related records,” he said. He said the police are collaborating with the Health Ministry and the Penang Pharmacy Department in tackling the growing misuse of vape devices as drug delivery tools. As of May, the police have recorded 115 vape-related drug cases involving 207 arrests under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952. Under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988, police also seized two vehicles in the raid, a Toyota Altis and a Toyota Estima, each valued at RM55,000 along with RM1,069 in cash. “The total value of seized drugs and assets totalled RM199,794.50,” he said. The two suspects have been remanded for seven days until May 26 to assist investigations. He said the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment, and at least 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction. The items seized in the police raids. — Picture courtesy of PDRM

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