Slaying the ‘zombie’ threat on social media
Malaysian authorities are warning that drug syndicates are increasingly using social media and e-commerce platforms to traffic synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Police are strengthening international cooperation to combat these evolving digital distribution tactics.
Why it matters
The shift toward digital drug trafficking poses a significant challenge to global law enforcement and public health efforts.
KUALA LUMPUR: Drug syndicates are increasingly using social media platforms, messaging applications and courier services to traffic drugs, especially fentanyl, one of the world’s most potent synthetic opioids.
Often referred to as the “zombie drug”, fentanyl is known for its devastating effects, with users sometimes left in a prolonged, zombie-like stupor.
“Fake social media accounts, disappearing messages and invite-only groups (on Facebook and WhatsApp) are new modus operandi used by syndicates to market the drug before shifting transactions to messaging apps and courier services.
“The syndicates are also taking advantage of e-commerce platforms and e-wallet systems to conceal their activities.
“Cashless payments, temporary accounts and minimal identity verification make it difficult to trace the syndicates,” Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said in an interview recently.
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