IPOH: A cemetery here is among the hideout joints of drug addicts and pushers, police say.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat said two of them were “guarding” the area when police raided the spot recently.
He said several drug addicts and pushers were arrested at the site.
“Cemeteries were included in the raids, besides abandoned buildings, oil palm plantations and areas with thick undergrowth,” he added.
DCP Zulkafli said with rising public concern on drug-related cases, Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department officers were spearheading raids daily.
“Some people accuse us of not doing enough. I want to assure the people that we conduct operations every day throughout the state,” he told a press conference at the state police contingent headquarters here yesterday.
DCP Zulkafli said up to yesterday, police had detained 2,293 people for various drug-related offences under the integrated Ops Tapis with various types of drugs worth RM770,766.96 seized.
He said during the latest three-day raid in Ipoh and Selama, 80 suspects were rounded up.
“Among those arrested were two on the wanted list. Most of those caught were repeat offenders.
“During the operation, one of our men was injured after chasing after a drug addict,” he said.
On the coming three-day Thaipusam festival here, DCP Zulkafli warned that those who get intoxicated and cause trouble will be arrested.
He also warned against drink driving.
“We will be monitoring the situation, and looking out for stalls selling alcohol, as this is not allowed,” he said.
On Thursday, state human resources, health, Indian community affairs and national integration committee chairman A. Sivanesan said Perak will enforce a strict three-day ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol during the Ipoh Thaipusam celebration, with possible court action against violators.
He said the ban will be imposed from Feb 10 to 12 along the Thaipusam chariot procession routes, temporary traders’ tents and area surrounding the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh here.
