Latest news with #BukitAmanNarcoticsCriminalInvestigationDepartment
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Police refute mushroom vape claims, warn of drug rise in e-cigarettes
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have dismissed claims that hallucinogenic mushrooms are being used in vape products but raised concerns over a rise in the use of synthetic drugs in e-cigarettes, including among school students. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said there was no such thing as "magic mushroom vape" in the form of dried fungi or natural hallucinogens, as alleged on social media. "Laboratory tests conducted by the Chemistry Department on samples seized by the NCID did not detect any natural mushroom substances. "What's actually being sold are synthetic drugs deceptively marketed as 'magic mushroom' vapes," he said in a statement today. He said while the term 'magic mushroom' was being used widely, it was in fact a manipulative label used by drug syndicates to promote synthetic substances. "There is no official evidence of dried mushrooms or narcotic-laced chocolates and candies being sold, as speculated. "What we have detected is the presence of synthetic cannabis and other psychotropic substances in vape liquids," he said in a statement today. Between January and March this year, Hussein said police recorded 32 cases involving vape liquids containing drugs, compared to 64 cases throughout 2024 – indicating a sharp monthly increase. "The most common substance detected was synthetic cannabis, such as MDMB-4en-PINACA and its analogues, which shows a rising trend of mixing psychoactive chemicals into vape liquids," he said. He added that there were also cases involving stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA, which he described as alarming due to the increasing misuse of electronic delivery devices. "The majority of samples tested confirmed the presence of illegal drugs. This proves that the use of vape as a medium to deliver drugs is real and must be addressed seriously." Hussein said the NCID has intensified intelligence gathering and enforcement across the country in response to reports of students allegedly using drug-laced vape products. He reminded the public to rely on verified information from police, the National Anti-Drugs Agency, or health authorities, and to avoid spreading unverified news that could cause unnecessary panic. "There is also a need to incorporate education about the dangers of synthetic vape into the school syllabus and carry out continuous awareness campaigns, especially among students," he said. He urged parents to monitor their children's activities and belongings and engage in open discussions about the risks of vaping and drug use. Hussein also voiced support for Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's recent call for state governments to ban the sale of vape products as a preventive measure. "The government is currently refining its regulatory framework on vape, particularly in terms of content and distribution. The Health Ministry, together with enforcement agencies, is working on a stricter licensing system, including mandatory lab testing of vape liquids," he said. He said police are also monitoring online sales of drug-laced vape products, adding that enforcement efforts now cover both physical and digital spaces. The public with information related to drug abuse or distribution are urged to contact the NCID via its hotline at 012-208 7222.
New Straits Times
18 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Six Malaysians arrested in Cambodia over drug smuggling attempt
KUALA LUMPUR: Police have identified six Malaysian men, aged between 27 and 70, who were detained by Cambodian authorities on July 16. They are suspected of attempting to smuggle nearly 62 kilogrammes of cannabis to the United Kingdom via Phnom Penh International Airport. Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said preliminary information regarding the arrests was obtained through the Foreign Ministry, but no official notification has been received from the Cambodian authorities to date. "Police will work with the Foreign Ministry through the Malaysian Embassy in Cambodia to obtain further details and investigation outcomes from the Cambodian authorities. Further investigation will be carried out to identify the syndicates involved," he told Bernama when contacted yesterday. He said initial investigations have yet to determine whether the case is linked to any international drug trafficking syndicates operating from Malaysia. In a related development, Hussein advised Malaysians to be more cautious and not to fall easily for online job offers promising high salaries, especially those involving the delivery of packages overseas without knowledge of their contents. He also reminded the public to remain vigilant against the modus operandi of international drug syndicates that target Malaysians as drug mules. Earlier yesterday, The Phnom Penh Post reported that the six men were arrested by Cambodia's Anti-Drug Department in collaboration with customs and airport authorities, with the drugs found in four suitcases. The suspects were believed to be planning to travel to London via Hong Kong.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
DCP Mohd Zaini appointed acting Selangor police chief
SHAH ALAM: Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan has been appointed as the acting state police chief, effective Saturday (July 19). He succeeds Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who will assume his new role as director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on July 21. The handover-of-duties ceremony took place at Dewan D'Cerana at the Selangor contingent police headquarters, and was witnessed by Royal Malaysia Police management department director, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid. In his speech, Comm Hussein expressed gratitude to the police leadership for their trust and support during his two years and five months at the helm, highlighting key achievements, such as a 12% reduction in the crime index last year and the successful foiling of major drug smuggling attempts, involving seizures worth hundreds of millions of ringgit. He said that, between 2023 and 2024, Selangor police seized over 10 tonnes of drugs, worth RM300mil, a move which prevented the narcotics from reaching more than 21 million potential users. "The Selangor contingent recorded 22,000 arrests in 2023, a figure which rose to 40,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department opened investigation papers on 7,115 cases in 2023, involving losses of RM510mil, compared with 7,731 cases in 2024, with losses amounting to RM680mil," he said. Comm Hussein added that traffic enforcement issued 1.06 million summonses in 2023, generating RM135.7mil in collections, while in 2024, 1.13 million summonses were issued, with collections totalling RM128mil. He said that these achievements reflect the unwavering dedication and teamwork of every officer, personnel, and civil servant, who formed the backbone of the force's success. - Bernama
Sinar Daily
6 days ago
- Sinar Daily
Mohd Zaini appointed acting Selangor Police Chief
He succeeds Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who will assume his new role as director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on July 21. 18 Jul 2025 04:12pm Mohd Zaini succeeds Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who will assume his new role as director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on July 21. - Bernama photo SHAH ALAM - Selangor deputy police chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan has been appointed as the acting state police chief, effective tomorrow. He succeeds Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who will assume his new role as director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on July 21. The handover-of-duties ceremony took place at the Dewan D'Cerana, Selangor contingent police headquarters (IPK), and was witnessed by police Management Department director, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid. In his speech, Hussein expressed gratitude to the police leadership for their trust and support during his two years and five months at the helm, highlighting key achievements, such as a 12 per cent reduction in the crime index last year and the successful foiling of major drug smuggling attempts, involving seizures worth hundreds of millions of ringgit. He said that, between 2023 and 2024, Selangor police seized over 10 tonnes of drugs, worth RM300 million, a move which prevented the narcotics from reaching more than 21 million potential users. "The Selangor contingent recorded 22,000 arrests in 2023, a figure which rose to 40,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department opened investigation papers on 7,115 cases in 2023, involving losses of RM510 million, compared with 7,731 cases in 2024, with losses amounting to RM680 million,' he said. Hussein added that traffic enforcement issued 1.06 million summonses in 2023, generating RM135.7 million in collections, while in 2024, 1.13 million summonses were issued, with collections totalling RM128 million. He said that these achievements reflect the unwavering dedication and teamwork of every officer, personnel, and civil servant, who formed the backbone of the force's success. - BERNAMA
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
Mohd Zaini Appointed Acting Selangor Police Chief
SHAH ALAM, July 18 (Bernama) -- Selangor deputy police chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan has been appointed as the acting state police chief, effective tomorrow. He succeeds Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, who will assume his new role as director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) on July 21. The handover-of-duties ceremony took place at the Dewan D'Cerana, Selangor contingent police headquarters (IPK), and was witnessed by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Management Department director, Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid. In his speech, Hussein expressed gratitude to the PDRM leadership for their trust and support during his two years and five months at the helm, highlighting key achievements, such as a 12 per cent reduction in the crime index last year and the successful foiling of major drug smuggling attempts, involving seizures worth hundreds of millions of ringgit. He said that, between 2023 and 2024, Selangor police seized over 10 tonnes of drugs, worth RM300 million, a move which prevented the narcotics from reaching more than 21 million potential users. 'The Selangor contingent recorded 22,000 arrests in 2023, a figure which rose to 40,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, the state Commercial Crime Investigation Department opened investigation papers on 7,115 cases in 2023, involving losses of RM510 million, compared with 7,731 cases in 2024, with losses amounting to RM680 million,' he said. Hussein added that traffic enforcement issued 1.06 million summonses in 2023, generating RM135.7 million in collections, while in 2024, 1.13 million summonses were issued, with collections totalling RM128 million. He said that these achievements reflect the unwavering dedication and teamwork of every officer, personnel, and civil servant, who formed the backbone of the force's success. -- BERNAMA
