AADK will deploy new synthetic drug detection kits nationwide from June, targeting fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in vape liquids.
SEPANG: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) will begin deploying new synthetic drug detection kits nationwide from June, including for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids increasingly detected in vape liquids, as authorities move to curb a growing drug threat in Malaysia.
AADK Director-General Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the detection kits had been distributed to all the agency’s offices nationwide and would be used by enforcement personnel during field operations.
“We will begin conducting tests using the (synthetic drug) test kit, especially for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids. Beginning June, we will conduct operations and test (individuals) using the device,” he told reporters after attending AADK’s Aidiladha appreciation of noble values and korban ritual programme here today.
He said AADK is now facing a new challenge involving synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, which are more dangerous than traditional drugs like cannabis and heroin.
He said the detection test kit is capable of detecting fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine used in vape liquids.
Prior to this, Ruslin was reported as saying that the rate of synthetic drug addiction in Malaysia had reached an alarming level, contributing to 70% of the total number of drug addicts nationwide.
According to him, the development is in line with the latest threat trend in which syndicates have been detected mixing the prohibited substances into electronic cigarette or vape liquids.
Commenting on AADK arrests, Ruslin said the number of individuals detained for drug abuse had reached 15,000 during the first five months of this year.
He added that based on public complaints as well as intelligence and other sources, the number of arrests could reach 40,000 this year and the agency had established a drone unit to further facilitate their operations.
