Is the focus on vape devices overshadowing the real issue of drug syndicates?

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The push to ban vape devices is being framed as overlooking the role of drug syndicates.

The police disclosure about “Piu Piu” being mixed into vape liquids has prompted Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to call for an immediate ban on vaping devices. The argument made is that this focus targets the most visible symptom rather than the underlying problem, because the real issue is the existence of drug syndicates willing to exploit any product to distribute dangerous substances.
What the police disclosure led to
The police disclosed that “Piu Piu”, described as a dangerous synthetic drug, was reportedly being mixed into vape liquids. Following that disclosure, Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay called for an immediate ban on vaping devices. The framing is that banning vaping devices may appear straightforward to the public, given concerns about dangerous drugs circulating in communities, including among young people.
Why the argument says the device is not the core problem
The position taken is that, in the case of “Piu Piu”, the real issue is not the vape device itself. It is the existence of drug syndicates willing to exploit any product to distribute dangerous substances, including by mixing harmful chemicals into vape liquids. That is characterised first and foremost as a law enforcement problem, rather than a problem that can be solved by banning the device category.
What the ban is said to miss about root causes
The argument warns that banning vape products may create the appearance of decisive action while doing little to address the root cause. It points to past experience from Australia on underage social media bans, where millions of underage accounts may have been removed on paper but users still found ways around restrictions. The same pattern is suggested for vaping bans: enforcement can look active without necessarily reducing the underlying criminal activity.
What risks are raised if legal vape products are removed
The discussion also raises the risk that banning vape devices could push existing users toward the black market, where products are completely unregulated and harder to monitor. It also notes potential losses in government revenue through taxation if legal products are taken off the market. In addition, it highlights harm reduction concerns by stating that many adult smokers have used vaping or heated tobacco as alternatives to quitting cigarettes, meaning removing regulated options could reduce choices while illicit operators expand.

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Is the focus on vape devices overshadowing the real issue of drug syndicates?

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