SEPANG: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) will deploy new synthetic drug detection kits nationwide from June as the authorities move to curb a growing threat in Malaysia.
The kits will include screening for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids increasingly found in vape liquids,
AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh (pic) said the kits had been distributed to all the agency’s offices nationwide and would be used by enforcement personnel in field operations.
"We will begin conducting tests using the kits, especially for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids, from June," he told reporters after the AADK Aidiladha programme here on Thursday (May 28).
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He said AADK is facing a new challenge involving synthetic drugs such as fentanyl, which are more dangerous than traditional drugs like cannabis and heroin.
Ruslin was earlier 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.
He said syndicates have been found mixing the prohibited substances into vape liquids.
Commenting on AADK arrests, Ruslin said the number detained drug abuse had reached 15,000 during the first five months of this year.
He added that the number, based on public complaints as well as intelligence and other sources, could reach 40,000 this year and the agency had established a drone unit to enhance its operations. – Bernama
