Focus on reducing demand for drugs to complement enforcement, says Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: The authorities should focus on reducing the demand for drugs through preventive education to complement admirable enforcement operations, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Congratulating the police on the recent RM144.9mil drug haul, the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman said cutting the demand will eventually cripple drug syndicates.

"Demand reduction will lead to an eventual drop in supply of drugs.

"It can be done through giving more focus on drug prevention and education, especially in schools and institutions of higher learning," he said when contacted Thursday (Jan 16).

Lee said that education and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse must be beefed up to effectively cut the demand for the "poison".

"Anti-drug education and activities must be conducted continuously, instead of periodically.

"Such efforts are aimed at driving home the message that drugs are not for anyone and people should steer away from drugs," Lee added.

On the enforcement front, Lee said the police, especially the Narcotic Crimes Investigation Department (NCID), have done a commendable job in ridding the streets of drugs.

"The latest seizure of almost RM145mil worth of drugs is clearly in line with the department's determination and commitment to tackle the drug menace, whether produced here or imported.

"The NCID is very committed in the war against drugs and it is heartening to see the IGP (Inspector-General of Police) giving the drug issue the top priority it rightfully deserves as drugs have been the number one enemy since the 1980s," he said.

It was reported that only 15 days into the new year and the nation has already seen its biggest drug bust with the crippling of a major drug syndicate and the seizure of 1.5 tonnes of drugs worth RM144.9mil.

This huge amount of drugs could have fallen into the hands of 6.5 million addicts.

IGP Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the syndicate operated as a drug “wholesaler”, importing the drugs and marketing them locally and overseas.

“We believe they were able to procure the drugs via courier services.

“The NCID director will meet with 116 courier companies on Thursday to find a mechanism to curb this activity, ” he told a press conference at the Police Training Centre Wednesday (Jan 15).