KUCHING: The Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) will strengthen enforcement at five Narcotics Nucleus Secretariat (SNN) locations nationwide.
NCID director Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin said Sarawak’s SNN will be a key focus, especially after finding a high demand for drugs like methamphetamine (syabu) in neighboring Indonesia, where prices reach RM450,000 per kilogramme.
“In Malaysia, one kilogramme of methamphetamine costs RM33,000.
“Recently, during my meeting with the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) and the Indonesian National Narcotics Agency, I learned that one kilogramme of methamphetamine there is worth RM440,000.
“This shows how high the demand is there. The modus operandi involves entry from Miri because our border with Kalimantan includes West and East Kalimantan,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after officiating at the closing ceremony of the 8/2024 Basic Police Training Programme (PLAK) for Constables Batch 73 at the Police Training Centre (PULAPOL) here on Saturday.
Khaw also noted that the other five SNN locations believed to serve as international drug transit hubs are Sabah, Kelantan, Pengkalan Hulu, and Bukit Kayu Hitam.
“We suspect that trucks entering from neighboring borders are used to smuggle drugs, such as the Yaba pills seized in Kelantan.
“Tebedu is another unfenced border area where syndicate activities likely occur day and night. This is why we are focusing on these SNNs to ensure NCID obtains information on related syndicates,” he said.
He revealed that Malaysia is a key choice as a transit centre for drug distribution, particularly in areas near the borders.
“We are a transit option, apart from local consumption. I cannot deny that some are also distributed to entertainment centres,” he added.
In a related development, Khaw said a special meeting had been held recently with the Sarawak General Operations Force (PGA) and 28 Sarawak NCID division chiefs to ensure comprehensive control over syndicates.
“We have held discussions and drawn up plans to curb drug trafficking across borders.
“This includes entry from Peninsular Malaysia via sea and air, and we have coordinated with the PGA to prioritise narcotics inspections,” he stated.
For the record, 50 tonnes of various drugs worth RM308 million were successfully seized between March and August this year.
