THE use of 'zombie' drugs or fentanyl, which is said to be 100 times stronger than morphine, is believed to have arrived in Malaysia.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said that the collaboration between the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through sewage analysis in the Subang Valley successfully detected methamphetamine and fentanyl.
"This indicates the possibility of a drug processing lab in the area.
"The strategic collaboration with UKM has successfully produced a biosensor test kit which is faster and more accurate in just 20 seconds compared to two days previously," he told a press conference in Bangi.
According to reports, he said, this is a new thing for detecting types of drugs.
He said that the sewage water analysis has been conducted in the Klang Valley and will be expanded nationwide and lead to follow-up actions including intelligence and operations.
"Based on the current trend of drug labs in Malaysia, it is very concerning when they are operated by foreigners with expertise, in addition to foreign materials being brought in to produce new drugs," he said.
Fentanyl has been blamed for fuelling what has been described as the worst drug crisis in the history of the United States.
It has been attributed as the leading cause of death in the US among people aged 18 to 45.
Commenting on the JSJN collaboration with UKM, he said this is an approach that has been established since October 21, 2022.
"Six work packages have been formulated covering aspects of technology development, research, forensics, data, and capability development, focusing among others on the development of biosensor test strips, molecular forensic databases, and drug residue analysis in sewage systems," he said.
He added that nine senior JSJN officers have been selected to conduct research part-time under the guidance of experts from UKM.
"A Steering Committee has also been established to monitor the effectiveness of this program, and I myself, as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, have been entrusted to chair the committee.
"We expect that this program will further enhance enforcement capabilities and, most importantly, foster cooperation with external agencies such as Interpol, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and many others, including information sharing," he added. – March 26, 2025
