Police to use saliva test kits to detect synthetic drug abuse among drivers

KUALA LUMPUR - The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will use saliva test kits at roadblocks to detect the use of synthetic drugs mixed into vape liquids as part of efforts to curb motorists driving under the influence of the illicit substance.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the move follows a recent spate of road accidents involving drivers impaired by the synthetic drug.

"This situation is worrying. There are road users driving while inhaling synthetic drugs mixed into vape liquids, unaware that they are gradually becoming intoxicated,” he told a press conference here today.

Hussein explained that Piu Piu or Magic Mushroom is not the name of a specific drug, but rather a marketing term used to promote synthetic liquid drugs that are inserted into vape devices.

"These drugs are easily obtained, whether through online purchases, at entertainment outlets, or through distribution among users of the drugs,” he said.

"The effects of taking these drugs cause users to become intoxicated to the point that they lose their ability to think and exercise sound judgment,” he said.

Hussein stressed that police could not rule out the possibility of a rise in road accidents caused by the use of these drugs, putting more lives at risk, particularly those of other road users.

He said the test kits would enable authorities to obtain immediate results for drug abuse screening.

In a related development, Hussein said the NCID recorded 108 cases involving 138 arrests linked to the use of synthetic drug liquids nationwide last year.

However, as of June 10 this year alone, 168 cases involving 267 arrests had already been recorded, indicating a significant increase in the abuse of the substance. - BERNAMA