Ex-Sarawak Top Cop: Crack Down on Drug-Laced Vape Syndicates, Not the Entire Industry
PETALING JAYA: A former Sarawak police chief is urging authorities to shift their focus in the ongoing vape crisis. Yusoff Nook, who previously headed the Sarawak police force, argues that blanket bans on the vape industry are misguided and ineffective. Instead, he believes the priority should be dismantling the criminal syndicates manufacturing and distributing narcotics-laced vapes – a dangerous and growing problem.
Nook’s statement comes amidst increasing concerns over the emergence of vapes containing illegal drugs, particularly synthetic cannabinoids. These illicit products pose a significant health risk to users, often leading to severe adverse effects and even fatalities. The current approach of penalising the entire legal vape market, which includes legitimate businesses and responsible users, is seen by Nook as a misdirection of resources and a failure to address the root cause of the issue.
“We need to go after the source,” Nook emphasised in a recent interview. “The problem isn’t with the legal vape businesses that adhere to regulations and provide safe products. The problem is with the criminals who are exploiting the situation to peddle dangerous drugs disguised as vapes.”
He suggests a more targeted approach, involving increased intelligence gathering, stricter border controls to prevent the import of illicit vape products, and enhanced collaboration between law enforcement agencies and health authorities. A focus on identifying and prosecuting the individuals and organisations involved in the production and distribution of drug-laced vapes is crucial, he argues.
The legal vape industry in Malaysia has been facing a period of uncertainty, with ongoing debates about regulation and taxation. Nook's perspective highlights the need to differentiate between the legitimate industry and the criminal element, advocating for policies that protect public health without stifling innovation and economic growth.
Many within the vape industry have echoed Nook’s sentiments, calling for a more nuanced approach to regulation. They argue that overly restrictive measures could inadvertently drive consumers towards the black market, where they are more likely to encounter dangerous, unregulated products. A collaborative effort between the government, law enforcement, and the industry is essential to effectively combat the threat of drug-laced vapes and ensure a safe and responsible vape market for all.
The call for a shift in strategy underscores the complexity of the issue and the importance of addressing the underlying criminal activities driving the problem. Focusing solely on penalising the legal vape market, Nook contends, is akin to treating the symptoms rather than the disease.
Ultimately, a comprehensive and targeted approach is needed to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the legal vape industry in Malaysia. This requires a commitment to dismantling criminal networks, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders.