No ‘magic mushroom' vapes
The newly appointed Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director said lab tests conducted by the Chemistry Department on seized vape liquids allegedly containing hallucinogenic mushrooms showed no presence of the substance.
It revealed the presence of illegal substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, such as MDMB-4en-PINACA and its analogues.
'This modus operandi shows that psychoactive substances are being infused into vape liquids as a delivery method for drugs.
'Other seized liquids also contained stimulant drugs like methamphetamine and MDMA, reflecting new forms of abuse through electronic devices,' he said in a statement yesterday.
He said claims of dried mushrooms or hallucinogenic natural drops being used in vape products were inaccurate and likely part of a manipulation tactic by the drug distributors.
'Distributors are deliberately branding synthetic substances as 'magic mushrooms' to attract young users, especially school students,' Comm Hussein said.
Although cases involving students remain isolated, he said the trend is causing concern due to its potential impact on youth.
'To date, no official evidence has been found of dried mushrooms or drugs being mixed into chocolates or candies as widely alleged,' he added.
Comm Hussein said the NCID has launched a nationwide intelligence operation to investigate the growing abuse of vapes laced with illicit substances among teenagers.
'From 2024 to March 2025, we recorded 64 cases of vape liquid seizures.
'In the first three months of this year, we have already recorded 32 cases, indicating a significant rise in monthly averages,' Comm Hussein said.
He also stressed that the misuse of vape devices as a medium for drug delivery is a growing reality that needs urgent intervention.
'We urge the public to rely on verified information from official sources such as the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency or the Health Ministry, and to avoid spreading unverified viral content that could cause unnecessary panic.
'There is a clear need to include education on the dangers of synthetic drug-laced vapes in school syllabi and to intensify awareness campaigns, especially among students.
'Parents should closely monitor their children's activities and belongings, and have open discussions about the risks of vaping and drug use.'
He also backed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's recent call to ban the sale of vape products at the state level as part of broader efforts to curb drug abuse.
He noted that the government is currently refining regulatory mechanisms for vape products, with the Health Ministry and enforcement agencies considering a stricter licensing framework.
'This includes laboratory testing of vape liquids and tighter controls on sales to minors.
'The police are also intensifying surveillance of online vape sales involving illicit substances.
'Enforcement efforts now go beyond physical checks – we are monitoring the digital space as well.
'If anyone has information regarding drug abuse or distribution, we urge them to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222,' he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
13 hours ago
- Malay Mail
No more denial: Home minister urges Kedah to act as state ranks among top four in Malaysia for drug abuse
JITRA, July 25 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged the Kedah government to step up efforts to remove the state from the top four nationwide for drug addiction rates. He said that, based on addiction rates per 100,000 population, the most affected districts include Pendang (Kedah), Kuala Krai (Kelantan) and Bachok (Kelantan), while Terengganu recorded the highest rate among states, followed by Perlis, Kelantan and Kedah. 'Data from the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Health Ministry and rehabilitation centres, analysed using United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime methods, show Kedah remains among the states with the highest drug abuse rates,' he said. 'We are no longer in an era of finger-pointing or complacency. Every leader, at the level of government, mosques, community organisations, or schools, must play an active role in addressing this drug crisis,' he said at the launch of the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day Commemoration ceremony at Dataran Darulaman here today. Also present at the event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stressed that the drug problem is no longer a political issue but a shared responsibility, and tackling it effectively requires three key elements. 'First, we must abandon the denial syndrome and acknowledge the severity of the problem. Second, we must recognise that no single entity can solve it alone. Third, we must show the commitment to adapt and enhance existing approaches for a more integrated and holistic response,' he said. However, Saifuddin acknowledged that logistical challenges remain, particularly in securing maritime routes. 'Eighty percent of drugs enter Malaysia by sea, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is now tasked with monitoring a vast area of 680,000 square kilometres,' he said, adding the Home Ministry has submitted a request to the Prime Minister for additional enforcement equipment. 'The government is also strengthening international cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint regional operations with ASEAN and the United Nations. This year alone, RM480 million has been allocated to AADK operations and the management of rehabilitation centres. We are now seeking an additional RM500 million to further reinforce these efforts,' he said Saifuddin also noted that from an enforcement standpoint, Malaysia already has strong legal instruments in place, such as the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, which were both amended last year to impose stiffer penalties on traffickers and syndicates. — Bernama
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Six arrested over controversial Selangor ‘eHati' event as JAIS probes false doctrine, insult to Islam
SHAH ALAM, July 25 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has detained six individuals in connection with the controversial eHati marriage motivation programme held from Sept 27–30 last year at a convention centre here. JAIS director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said the suspects, two men and four women aged between 26 and 47, were picked up in Shah Alam on July 18. He said investigations were opened under Sections 7 (false doctrine), 8 (false claims), 10 (insulting Islam) and 16 (unauthorised religious publications) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995. 'The investigation was launched following suspicions that a ritual or ceremony contrary to Islamic teachings was held during the programme,' he said in a statement yesterday. To date, JAIS has recorded statements from 38 witnesses and identified 282 participants whose statements will also be taken. Three books and three VCDs seized from the event have been submitted to the Selangor Mufti Department for review. He said a comprehensive investigation into the programme's full content and module is ongoing, and findings will be submitted to the Selangor Syariah Prosecution Department for further action. On July 16, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed reports of nude scenes involving four women during a segment called 'Queens Night'. That same day, six individuals, including the husband-and-wife founders of the programme and their child, were remanded for three days to assist in a separate investigation into indecent behaviour and minor offences. — Bernama
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
No ‘magic mushroom' vapes
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no 'magic mushroom' in vape liquids despite claims on social media, says Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. The newly appointed Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director said lab tests conducted by the Chemistry Department on seized vape liquids allegedly containing hallucinogenic mushrooms showed no presence of the substance. It revealed the presence of illegal substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids, such as MDMB-4en-PINACA and its analogues. 'This modus operandi shows that psychoactive substances are being infused into vape liquids as a delivery method for drugs. 'Other seized liquids also contained stimulant drugs like methamphetamine and MDMA, reflecting new forms of abuse through electronic devices,' he said in a statement yesterday. He said claims of dried mushrooms or hallucinogenic natural drops being used in vape products were inaccurate and likely part of a manipulation tactic by the drug distributors. 'Distributors are deliberately branding synthetic substances as 'magic mushrooms' to attract young users, especially school students,' Comm Hussein said. Although cases involving students remain isolated, he said the trend is causing concern due to its potential impact on youth. 'To date, no official evidence has been found of dried mushrooms or drugs being mixed into chocolates or candies as widely alleged,' he added. Comm Hussein said the NCID has launched a nationwide intelligence operation to investigate the growing abuse of vapes laced with illicit substances among teenagers. 'From 2024 to March 2025, we recorded 64 cases of vape liquid seizures. 'In the first three months of this year, we have already recorded 32 cases, indicating a significant rise in monthly averages,' Comm Hussein said. He also stressed that the misuse of vape devices as a medium for drug delivery is a growing reality that needs urgent intervention. 'We urge the public to rely on verified information from official sources such as the police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency or the Health Ministry, and to avoid spreading unverified viral content that could cause unnecessary panic. 'There is a clear need to include education on the dangers of synthetic drug-laced vapes in school syllabi and to intensify awareness campaigns, especially among students. 'Parents should closely monitor their children's activities and belongings, and have open discussions about the risks of vaping and drug use.' He also backed Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's recent call to ban the sale of vape products at the state level as part of broader efforts to curb drug abuse. He noted that the government is currently refining regulatory mechanisms for vape products, with the Health Ministry and enforcement agencies considering a stricter licensing framework. 'This includes laboratory testing of vape liquids and tighter controls on sales to minors. 'The police are also intensifying surveillance of online vape sales involving illicit substances. 'Enforcement efforts now go beyond physical checks – we are monitoring the digital space as well. 'If anyone has information regarding drug abuse or distribution, we urge them to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222,' he added.
