PETALING JAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has launched investigations into two separate incidents involving National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers.
In a statement on Monday (July 14), the commission said that one case in Pahang involves an alleged assault and added that another in Selangor concerns negligence in handling a drug offender.
In the first case, the EAIC received a report about an alleged assault at a government drug rehabilitation centre in Pahang in 2024. A client undergoing treatment at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (Puspen) was reportedly assaulted and injured under the care of AADK officers.
Following its investigation, the EAIC found sufficient evidence to suggest the assault occurred and that the injuries sustained by the client were linked to the actions of the officer involved.
The commission also found signs that the centre may have deliberately concealed the incident, as the report on the client's injuries was submitted to AADK headquarters after an unreasonable delay.
As a result, the EAIC has referred the case to the Attorney General’s Chambers with a recommendation for a criminal investigation under Section 324 of the Penal Code for causing injury.
It also referred the matter to the AADK’s disciplinary authority for further action against the officer involved.
Additionally, the EAIC has proposed that closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras be installed at all Puspen facilities to improve transparency and ensure the safety of clients undergoing rehabilitation.
In the second case, the EAIC received a complaint about AADK officers in Selangor failing to take follow-up action after an individual tested positive for drugs at a public hospital.
Investigations revealed that AADK officers were negligent in ensuring the individual signed a Letter of Agreement and Guarantee after being released on court bail, making it difficult for the agency to locate the individual when he did not return as required.
The EAIC also found that attempts to track down the individual were poorly documented and lacked concrete evidence.
While some operations were claimed to have occurred, there was no proof of any focused effort to locate the person involved.
The commission further noted a lack of supervision by district-level AADK management, leading to breaches of standard operating procedures (SOP) and failure to follow standing orders related to bail and case management.
As a result, the case remains unresolved.
Moreover, the EAIC highlighted weaknesses in the agency’s procedures for tracking down drug users who fail to report back, particularly regarding the rights and methods of entering premises to make arrests.
The case has also been referred to the AADK Disciplinary Authority, with a recommendation for disciplinary action under public service regulations.
The EAIC has also advised the AADK director-general to strengthen its SOPs for enforcement actions, especially in handling suspected drug users who fail to cooperate.
