On June 26, 2025, three Singaporean men and one Malaysian man were formally charged in Kuala Lumpur with trafficking cocaine-laced e-vaporiser liquid. The case was brought before Magistrate Amalina Basirah Md Top, but no pleas were recorded from the accused, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
The three Singaporeans charged are Quek Kien Seng, 45, Tristan Chew Jin Zhong, 25, and Ivan Tan Zhi Xuan, 31. They were charged alongside Malaysian citizen Kong Sien Mee, 57. All four face a serious charge under Malaysia’s Dangerous Drugs Act involving 9,420.2 millilitres of liquid containing cocaine. If convicted, the individuals face the death penalty or, alternatively, life imprisonment along with whipping.
The arrests were made on June 19, 2025, in the Malaysian state of Selangor. During the raid, authorities intercepted a car carrying ten boxes filled with 4,958 units of liquid vape cartridges suspected to be laced with cocaine. The total estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is approximately RM7.29 million, equivalent to about S$2.2 million.
The Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, led by acting director Mat Zani Mohd Salahuddin Che Ali, revealed details about the syndicate during a press conference on June 23, 2025. According to the official, the group operated by renting luxury condominiums in Kuala Lumpur. These units served as drug packaging sites before the illicit products were shipped to other countries. The sophistication of the operation highlights how international drug trafficking groups are evolving, disguising high-grade narcotics in seemingly innocuous consumer products like vape liquids.
In terms of legal representation, the three Singaporeans are being defended by lawyer Ille Maryam Yusnawannie. The Malaysian national, Kong Sien Mee, currently has no legal representation. The court has scheduled the next mention of the case for September 8, 2025.
This case underscores the intensifying scrutiny by Malaysian authorities on drug trafficking activities, particularly those with international links. It also serves as a warning to potential offenders that the legal repercussions in Malaysia for trafficking Class A drugs remain severe and unforgiving. Malaysia is known for having some of the strictest drug laws in the region, including mandatory death penalties in certain cases.
The alleged use of e-vaporisers as a medium for drug distribution marks a new trend in narcotics trafficking. Authorities believe that this method is intended to avoid traditional detection mechanisms and to mislead customs and security personnel. The syndicate's use of luxury condominiums also suggests a deliberate strategy to operate discreetly while projecting a legitimate appearance.
The high-profile nature of this case, involving multiple nationals and a substantial quantity of drugs, is expected to draw regional attention as proceedings move forward. Observers are watching closely to see how the High Court will handle the matter, especially given the possibility of the death penalty.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may be disclosed as Malaysian authorities continue to dismantle the broader network behind this operation. The severity of the charges and the substantial value of the seized contraband reflect a strong commitment by Malaysian enforcement agencies to clamp down on transnational drug crime.
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