PETALING JAYA: Some RM2.85bil worth of drugs and poisons were seized nationwide in the first nine months of this year.
This was a 43.63% increase from the RM1.98bil worth of substances seized during the same period last year.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said 167,601 drug-related cases were recorded nationwide during the period, resulting in the arrest of 186,257 people.
“This achievement reflects the comprehensive enforcement measures undertaken by the NCID to curb drug trafficking and abuse,” he added in a statement yesterday.
Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 23,195, resulting in 26,368 arrests, followed by Kedah with 18,843 cases and 19,601 arrests, and Kelantan with 18,008 cases and 19,712 arrests.
The seizures included more than 36,610kg of drugs and 30,580 litres of liquid drugs, as well as some 45,382kg and about 106,092 litres of substances covered under the Poisons Act.
Comm Hussein said the NCID took the growing threat of drug trafficking seriously, particularly activities involving syndicates, various smuggling methods and the use of technology and communication channels to facilitate criminal operations.
The department would continue to strengthen enforcement through more proactive, integrated and intelligence-driven approaches to detect drug trafficking and take appropriate action, he said.
“Priority will continue to be given to efforts to dismantle drug supply networks, curb smuggling activities, and identify individuals and groups who play key roles in driving drug trafficking activities in the country,” he said.
He urged the public to continue acting as the eyes and ears of the police by providing information that could assist enforcement efforts.
“Public cooperation is crucial in ensuring that drug-related criminal activities are curbed before they have a greater impact on the country’s security and well-being,” he added.
