KOTA BARU: Synthetic drug addiction in Malaysia has reached an alarming level, accounting for 70% of the country’s total drug users, says National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh (pic).
He said syndicates have been detected mixing illicit substances, including fentanyl, into vape liquids.
“However, AADK has yet to record any cases of addiction involving fentanyl at any rehabilitation centre operated by us. They (fentanyl addicts) may possibly be out there (at large),” he told reporters yesterday.
He said AADK is always prepared to handle synthetic drug addiction, including that of fentanyl, which is an extremely dangerous substance with a level of harm 50% higher than morphine, as well as hallucinogenic drugs such as magic mushrooms.
“To ensure the treatment and rehabilitation process remains effective, AADK now classifies different treatment approaches according to the type of drug consumed by those suffering from addiction,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
Ruslin said a specific approach has been devised to address traditional drug addicts like those using heroin and cannabis, while a different method is used for those suffering from stimulant-type drug addiction, such as methamphetamine and amphetamine pills, the latter commonly known by its street name pil kuda.
