Malaysia recaptures escaped rehab inmates and seizes RM45.6 million in vape drug busts

Four residents of the Pusat Pemulihan Penagihan Narkotik (PUSPEN) Perlop in Perak escaped on July 30 but were recaptured near Sungai Siput after a joint effort by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and local villagers. National Anti‑Drug Agency director Datuk Ruslin Jusoh denied rumours that the escapees were in Bandar Baru Bangi, stating that an internal investigation will identify any negligence and that disciplinary or legal action will follow. He warned the public against spreading false information.

In a separate operation, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) of Bukit Aman dismantled three vape‑drug syndicates in the Klang Valley, arresting 14 individuals and seizing assets worth more than RM45.6 million. The crackdown followed a July 22 incident in Sentul where seven secondary‑school students were found unconscious after using vape devices containing synthetic drugs, two of whom required emergency hospital treatment. JSJN director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the syndicates imported drugs and vape equipment online, using false declarations, and pledged intensified enforcement to protect the community, especially young people.