KUALA LUMPUR: A highly potent synthetic drug, furanylfentanyl, is being sold openly at some vape outlets, say police.
Furanylfentanyl, which is a derivative of fentanyl (also known as the "zombie drug") is extremely dangerous and can cause severe addiction, with a high risk of overdose even in small quantities.
The Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) launched a nationwide operation dubbed Ops Vape 1.0 from April 13-17, resulting in total seizures worth RM4.6mil.
The operation involved 1,177 NCID personnel, along with 2,011 officers from agencies including the Health Ministry, National Anti-Drugs Agency, local authorities and other enforcement bodies.
Bukit Aman NCID director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said investigations revealed that some vape outlets were starting to sell furanylfentanyl.
He said five people were arrested during the raids.
He said three people aged from 23 to 31, comprising a local, a foreigner and a woman, were arrested in Taman Bukit Cheras on April 13.
"Nine bottles containing liquid believed to be furanylfentanyl weighing 16.8kg was seized," he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters on Tuesday (April 21).
Another man and a woman aged 22 and 25 were arrested in Taman Mastiara, Sentul, on Friday.
"Checks uncovered 155 vape cartridges suspected to contain furanylfentanyl weighing 1.7kg and 22 packets of MDMA (ecstasy) powder weighing 0.66kg.
"The total amount of furanylfentanyl liquid seized was 18.56kg, with an estimated value of RM2.8mil," he added.
Initial investigations found that the five suspects have been remanded until April 24.
Comm Hussein said a total of 1,670 vape outlets were inspected nationwide, with 728 found in violation of regulations.
"Overall, 20 individuals were arrested, with seizures of 8,091 devices, 5,257 cartridges and 19.67kg of drugs.
"Also seized were 186.54kg of vape liquid not containing drugs, bringing the total value of seizures to RM4.6mil," he said.
He added that the Health Ministry had opened 487 investigation papers, issued compliance notices to 142 premises, seized five premises and compounded 1,149 others.
