KEPALA BATAS: Penang police recorded more than 19,477 drug-related cases, resulting in 22,465 arrests in 2024, says Penang police chief Comm Hamzah Ahmad.
"This is an increase of about 64.76% rise in drug cases compared to 2023," he said after launching the community policing drug prevention programme at Kepala Batas Industrial Training Institutes (ILP) on Monday (Jan 27).
He added that the number of arrests in 2024 also represents an increase of 8,258 arrests compared to the previous year.
Comm Hamzah said throughout 2024, the police have seized various drugs worth RM19.47mil, including two major cases under Ops Mutiara 21 and Ops Mutiara 26.
He said these operations include the seizure of 51.4 kg of methamphetamine, worth RM1.67mil.
A total of 7,013 investigation papers were opened, of which 6,358 were successfully prosecuted, yielding a success rate of 90.7%.
"This achievement is the result of close cooperation between the police and other enforcement agencies, as well as community support," he said.
