KUANTAN: A married couple were among 1,209 individuals who tested positive for drugs in Ops Cegah Khas conducted by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) nationwide.
AADK enforcement and security division director Mahadzir Elias said the couple, aged 59 and 67, was detained in the operation in Pahang.
“Although they were categorised as new drug users, investigations found that they had actually been involved in drug abuse for nearly 30 years, but had never been detected or detained,” he said at a press conference yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mahadzir said of 1,209 people tested positive for drugs, 1,153 were men and 56 were women, with those aged 19 to 40 recording the highest number at 716 people.
Authorities also detained 397 people for failing to appear for bail and violating treatment and rehabilitation conditions.
“By type of drug, methamphetamine remained the most widely abused substance, involving 799 individuals, followed by opiates such as heroin and morphine involving 192 individuals, ketum (112) and cannabis 52.”
On the operation in Pahang, Mahadzir said a total of 254 individuals were detained, with 191 of them testing positive for drugs.
Kuantan recorded the highest number of arrests with 67 individuals, followed by Rompin with 28.
“Drug addiction among the Orang Asli community is also quite worrying. Perhaps, the agency’s focus, going forward will be on preventive education for the community,” he said.
