KUALA LUMPUR: The rise of online shopping has created new opportunities for drug syndicates to exploit unsuspecting users, including youths and students. Using codenames like “Green,” “Smoke,” “Weednesday,” and “Green Tea,” these criminals are marketing New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) through social media, e-commerce platforms, and even the dark web.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain warned that these syndicates target vulnerable groups, including young people, by operating under the radar of conventional detection systems. Buyers often reach out to sellers directly through private messages to arrange transactions. Once the details are confirmed, drugs are discreetly delivered via courier services, making the entire process seamless and quick.
The Inspector-General emphasized the challenges faced by authorities in combating this online drug trade. “The syndicates are constantly changing their code names, especially when platforms detect suspicious activity. This makes it increasingly difficult to track and shut them down.”
The ease and accessibility of purchasing drugs online pose a serious threat to society. “This modus operandi is convenient for both buyers and sellers. When transactions go smoothly, it reinforces dark personality traits, encouraging both parties to continue such activities,” said Razarudin.
Parents and the public are urged to remain alert, especially as these syndicates often target students through platforms they frequent. The Inspector-General called for stricter monitoring of online activities, particularly on social media and e-commerce platforms, to protect youths from falling prey to such illicit schemes.
Adding to the complexity, Malaysia’s strategic location has made it a transit hub for international drug syndicates operating in the “Golden Triangle,” a notorious region encompassing parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. These areas are ideal for opium cultivation, and Malaysia is increasingly used as a point of transit to ship drugs to countries like Indonesia, Australia, and Singapore.
The scale of the problem is alarming. In 2023 alone, Malaysian authorities seized a record 11.2 tonnes of methamphetamine, marking the first time seizures of the drug exceeded 10 tonnes in the country. This highlights the sophistication and scale of operations, further underscoring the need for proactive measures to curb the illicit drug trade.
The Inspector-General’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive threats lurking online. The public is advised to exercise caution when navigating online platforms, and parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s digital activities closely. Strict enforcement and collaborative efforts between law enforcement, online platforms, and the community are crucial to safeguarding the future of Malaysia’s youth.
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