Explore all avenues to tackle drug transit issue, says Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: The government, through the relevant law enforcement agencies, should explore all avenues to effectively tackle the problem where the country is possibly being used as a transit point for drug syndicates, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said Malaysia being used as transit for drug smuggling was not a new issue, thus the government should come up with the best solution to tackle the problem.

"Law enforcement agencies should be equipped with the latest technologies and tools as well as sufficient manpower to effectively combat the drug menace.

"With the right equipment and personnel, only then the enforcement agencies could beef up operations and conduct stringent checks to detect drugs coming through our borders," he said when contacted on Monday (March 18).

He was commenting on Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain's statement that there is a possibility Malaysia is being used as a transit hub for drug smuggling activities.

"I also feel that our maritime patrols should be improved to better detect drugs being smuggled by sea," he added.

Local enforcement agencies should also enhance cooperation with their foreign counterparts, especially from Thailand to boost border security, Lee said.

"This is something that must be given serious attention as international cooperation is vital to curb drug smuggling activities," he said.

Lee said the country possibly being used as a drug transit hub is a matter of a serious concern.

"While Malaysia is not a drug exporting or producing country, being used as a transit to other countries such as Australia is a serious problem.

"I hope the government will deal with the problem in an urgent manner," he said.

It was previously reported that while Malaysia may not be a drug exporting or producing country, there was a possibility it is being used as a transit hub for drug smuggling activities.

The IGP had said drug labs raided in the country so far are small, producing just enough for local use.

“Last year, we uncovered about 20 drug labs, all of which were small scale. There are also labs that were raided just six months after they started operating.

“The quantity (of the drugs produced) is small, just enough for local use.

“So, I do not agree if we say Malaysia is a drug-exporting country as this would suggest that we are also a drug-producing country, which is not the case,” he said in response to a question.

Razarudin was speaking at a press conference after witnessing the handover of four rigid-hulled assault boats here.

He, however, did not dismiss the possibility that the country was being used as a transit hub.