June rollout of fentanyl test kits signals tougher stance on synthetic drugs, says Nada D-G

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — The National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada) will begin using specialised testing kits nationwide next month to detect fentanyl and other emerging synthetic drugs, amid mounting concerns over substances being mixed into vape liquids.

According to The New Straits Times, Nada director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said the kits had already been distributed to the agency’s offices across the country ahead of enforcement operations scheduled to begin in June.

Ruslin said the kits were capable of detecting fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids, cocaine and psilocybin — the psychoactive compound found in so-called “magic mushrooms”.

“Previously, there were claims that Nada could not test for fentanyl and synthetic substances. We now have the equipment, and it has already been distributed nationwide.

“Beginning June, we will start conducting tests during operations using these kits, particularly for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids,” he reportedly said after attending an Aidiladha korban programme at the Sepang Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre today.

He said the agency would initially use the kits to gather data and verify claims made by drug users about the substances they had consumed before pursuing further legal action.

Ruslin said one of the biggest challenges facing enforcement and rehabilitation authorities was the rapid emergence of new synthetic drugs, especially substances being mixed into vape liquids.

Among the substances increasingly detected, he said, were fentanyl, synthetic cannabinoids and cocaine, which were being inhaled through vape devices after being added to vape liquids.

He also urged the public and media to better understand the distinction between actual “magic mushrooms” and synthetic cannabinoids, saying many users wrongly believed they were consuming psilocybin-based fungi.

“Scientifically, magic mushrooms are fungi containing psilocybin. However, most cases we detected locally actually involved synthetic cannabinoids, or synthetic cannabis, usually in liquid form,” he said.

Ruslin said Nada had yet to confirm any fentanyl abuse cases involving individuals detained or undergoing rehabilitation, although he warned that many users were consuming multiple substances at once in what is known as polydrug abuse.

He said such combinations could trigger severe physical and psychological effects, including hallucinations, suicidal tendencies and erratic behaviour commonly associated with so-called “zombie drugs”.

Ruslin added that rehabilitation centres nationwide were preparing officers and staff to deal with increasingly dangerous and unpredictable behaviour linked to synthetic drug abuse.

المصدر: Malay Mail