Latest news with #ChemistryDepartment
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Water samples from Kelantan's Sg Ketil sent for analysis after mass fish deaths
Area resident Mat Hussin Daud, 68, with a picture of dead ikan kelah, or mahseer fish, found in Sg Ketil recently. – BERNAMApic GUA MUSANG: Water samples from Sungai Ketil have been sent to the Chemistry Department for testing after hundreds of fish were found dead in Rimba Wangi Recreational Park here recently. The Environment Department's (DOE) Kelantan director Wan Aminordin Wan Kamarudin said they also issued orders to monitor the river immediately to ensure the mass fish deaths would not recur. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Police monitor vape trend with synthetic drugs among students
KUALA LUMPUR: The Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) is closely tracking the rising trend of vaping among school students, particularly due to concerns over harmful substances like synthetic drugs being mixed into vape liquids. Bukit Aman JSJN director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that while isolated, these cases pose serious risks to student safety. Forensic tests by the Chemistry Department found no traces of 'magic mushrooms' in seized vape liquids, debunking viral claims. 'Dealers are misleading users by labeling synthetic substances as natural hallucinogens,' Hussein said. He clarified that no such substances were detected in chocolates or sweets either. Authorities have, however, confirmed the presence of synthetic drugs like MDMB-4en-Pinaca, methamphetamine, and MDMA in vapes. 'This new form of drug abuse through e-devices is alarming,' Hussein added. Records show 64 vape-related drug cases in 2024, with 32 in the first three months alone, marking a sharp increase. Hussein stressed that vaping is now a drug delivery method requiring urgent intervention. He urged the public to rely on verified information from police, AADK, or health agencies to prevent unnecessary panic. 'Misinformation can escalate fear,' he warned. Hussein proposed integrating vaping dangers into school curricula and expanding awareness campaigns. Parents were advised to monitor their children's activities and discuss the risks openly. JSJN supports Deputy Inspector-General Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's call for state-level vape sale bans to curb misuse. The government is also tightening regulations, including stricter licensing and lab testing for vape products. - Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) is closely tracking the rising trend of vaping among school students, particularly due to concerns over harmful substances like synthetic drugs being mixed into vape liquids. Bukit Aman JSJN director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that while isolated, these cases pose serious risks to student safety. Forensic tests by the Chemistry Department found no traces of 'magic mushrooms' in seized vape liquids, debunking viral claims. 'Dealers are misleading users by labeling synthetic substances as natural hallucinogens,' Hussein said. He clarified that no such substances were detected in chocolates or sweets either. Authorities have, however, confirmed the presence of synthetic drugs like MDMB-4en-Pinaca, methamphetamine, and MDMA in vapes. 'This new form of drug abuse through e-devices is alarming,' Hussein added. Records show 64 vape-related drug cases in 2024, with 32 in the first three months alone, marking a sharp increase. Hussein stressed that vaping is now a drug delivery method requiring urgent intervention. He urged the public to rely on verified information from police, AADK, or health agencies to prevent unnecessary panic. 'Misinformation can escalate fear,' he warned. Hussein proposed integrating vaping dangers into school curricula and expanding awareness campaigns. Parents were advised to monitor their children's activities and discuss the risks openly. JSJN supports Deputy Inspector-General Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay's call for state-level vape sale bans to curb misuse. The government is also tightening regulations, including stricter licensing and lab testing for vape products. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
Police Monitor Vape Trend Involving Synthetic Drugs Among Students
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) is monitoring the use of vapes among school students, amid concerns over potentially harmful substances, such as 'magic mushrooms' that could pose a threat to public safety. Bukit Aman JSJN director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, in a statement today, said that although such incidents are isolated, they still raise serious concerns for the general safety of students. He disclosed that forensic analysis by the Chemistry Department has so far found no evidence of magic mushrooms after testing the vape liquids seized by JSJN. "This disproves the viral claim about drops of the natural hallucinogenic liquid used in vapes, and it points to manipulation by dealers who label synthetic substances as (natural) 'magic mushrooms,'" he said, adding that the substance (magic mushrooms) was also not found in chocolates and sweets as claimed. He said so far, authorities have only confirmed the presence of synthetic drugs in vapes and electronic cigarettes. Hussein said based on records of vape liquid seizures, 64 cases were recorded throughout 2024, while another 32 cases were recorded in the first three months of this year, indicating a significant increase in the monthly average compared to the previous year. "Analysis of the Chemistry Department of the seized material shows the main illicit substances detected as a synthetic cannabinoid such as MDMB-4en-Pinaca and its analogues. "Also detected was a mix of stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA, which is very worrying as dealers have introduced a new form of drug abuse through these e-devices," he said. He stressed that the majority of cases confirmed the existence of illicit drugs, which proves that vaping is now being used as a real medium for drug delivery and needs to be addressed comprehensively.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
No 'magic mushrooms' in vape liquids, confirms NCID director
KUALA LUMPUR: There is no such thing as "magic mushroom" in vape liquids, despite claims circulating on social media, says Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. The newly appointed Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director stated that lab tests conducted by the Chemistry Department on seized vape liquids allegedly containing hallucinogenic mushrooms showed no presence of such substances. "There is no such drug as 'magic mushroom' in vape liquids. This has been confirmed by the Chemistry Department after analysing the seized materials," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 24). He clarified that claims of dried mushrooms or hallucinogenic natural drops being used in vape products were inaccurate and likely part of a manipulation tactic by drug distributors. "Distributors are deliberately branding synthetic substances as 'magic mushrooms' to attract young users, especially school students," he said. Although cases involving students remain isolated, Comm Hussein said the trend is causing serious 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 just the first three months of this year, we have already recorded 32 cases, indicating a significant rise in monthly averages," he said. Lab analyses of the seized liquids revealed the presence of illegal substances, particularly synthetic cannabinoids like 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 such as methamphetamine and MDMA, reflecting new forms of abuse through electronic devices," he said. Comm Hussein 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 (AADK), 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," he said. "Parents should closely monitor their children's activities and belongings, and have open discussions about the risks of vaping and drug use," he said. 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 through such devices. 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. "If anyone has information regarding drug abuse or distribution, we urge them to contact the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222," he added.
New Straits Times
6 days 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.
