BANGI: Fentanyl, also known as the zombie drug, which is 100 times more potent than morphine, is believed to be already being used in Malaysia.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the drug menace is a major problem in the country.
"Analysis of sewage water in Lembah Subang revealed the drugs methamphetamine and fentanyl.
"The analysis was possible due to the collaboration between the Narcotic Crime Investigation Department (NCID) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
"The results showed the existence of drug processing labs in the area.
"Collaboration with UKM has also produced the biosensor test kit using the Tims-Tof machine, which can provide faster and more accurate results - 20 seconds - compared to two days previously," he told a press conference after attending the committee meeting on the strategic cooperation between Bukit Aman and UKM on Wednesday (March 26).
The use of the test kit and machine is a game changer in tracing the types of drugs, the Deputy IGP said.
"We began analysing sewage water in the Klang Valley and will expand this nationwide.
"Once we analyse samples from around the country, we will be able to see the drug trend more accurately.
"Results from analysing the sewage water will lead to intelligence gathering and operation," he added.
Ayob Khan said through the use of a biosensor test kit, 57 types of drugs were detected in one urine sample.
"It is a worrying trend where drug processing labs in the country are run by foreigners with expertise, who brought foreign chemicals and substances to produce new drugs," he said.
The collaboration between the NCID and UKM started on Oct 21, 2022.
"Six working packages were drafted, encompassing various aspects including technological development, research, forensic and capacity building.
"The cooperation focused on various things, including developing the biosensor test strip, molecule forensic data hub and analysing drug residue in sewage water," he said.
Ayob Khan also said the Home Ministry has approved an allocation of RM8.4mil for the collaboration to ensure each working package could be conducted smoothly and have a high impact.
"We expect the programme will increase enforcement capabilities and foster more cooperation with foreign agencies, including Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and others," he said.:
