TELUK INTAN: Some 2,000 ketum plants were destroyed in a joint operation by the police and various government agencies in Labu Kubong near Sungai Manik.
Hilir Perak police chief ACP Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin said intelligence gathered revealed that the ketum plants were being cultivated on government reserve land estimated to cover eight hectares.
“Based on the information we received, the Hilir Perak area is one of the largest ‘hubs’ for ketum supply in the country, and it is operated by certain syndicates that plant, process and distribute ketum leaves nationwide.
“This marks the first phase. We will proceed with a second phase targeting individuals who grow ketum plants on their own land,” he said after the operation yesterday, Bernama reported.
The agencies involved in the operation included the Land and Mines Office, Hilir Perak District Office, Irrigation and Drainage Department, National Security Council, National Anti-Drugs Agency and the Public Works Department.
