Family members who shelter drug addicts among reasons for rise in violent crimes, says the police

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents or family members who hide drug abuse cases involving their loved ones are among the factors that contribute to addicts being involved in violent crimes, says Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

The Bukit Aman Narcotic Crimes Investigation Department (NCID) director said due to this, the authorities, especially the police, were not able to take early measures to curb drug addiction.

"During the movement control order period, society was less aware of the situation around them involving neighbours or other members of the community.

"The act of wanting to know or be aware of the surrounding areas is not as common as before as most people were focused on their own lives during the pandemic," he said when contacted on Thursday (Feb 17).

Lack of assistance from family members and society would complicate treatment and rehabilitation programmes for hardcore drug addicts, Comm Ayob said.

"This is because family members of addicts are not prepared to cooperate with the authorities to assist those addicted.

"Such actions will jeopardise efforts to assist these addicts," he said.

So far, 99 drug addicts have been involved in violent crimes this year while 354 addicts were involved in such crimes last year.

Comm Ayob was commenting on the recent spate of violent crimes involving drug addicts nationwide.