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KUALA LUMPUR: The police call to amend the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 to address the growing threat of online trafficking is timely, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said drug syndicates were increasingly turning to online platforms, encrypted applications and social media to distribute narcotics, often targeting youth.
“The existing provisions of the Act, which were framed more than 70 years ago, are no longer sufficient to deal with the evolving methods of trafficking,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Sept 16).
Lee said strengthening the law was crucial to keep pace with technological advances, protect the young and vulnerable, close legal loopholes and bolster enforcement and prosecution efforts.
“Drug syndicates exploit digital platforms to avoid detection. Legal amendments are needed to empower enforcement agencies with stronger investigative tools to track, intercept and dismantle these networks,” he added.
He stressed that online sales of dangerous drugs were increasingly reaching minors and youths who are unaware of the risks.
“Updating the law will close gaps that criminals are now exploiting, such as online solicitation, encrypted transactions and delivery services.
"With clearer provisions and broader definitions of trafficking, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will be better equipped to secure convictions,” he said.
Lee said drug abuse and trafficking remained among the most serious threats to national security, public health and family wellbeing.
“(Drugs) destroy lives, fuel crime and undermine the fabric of our society. The safety of our people, especially our youth, must always be the nation’s top priority,” he said.
