SARIKEI: A three-day sweep has laid bare the scale of methamphetamine abuse in central Sarawak, with 35 people caught testing positive across Sarikei, Pakan and Meradong.
The operation, codenamed ‘Ops Perdana’, was carried out by the Sarawak National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) together with Sarikei AADK from Jan 21 to 23.
During the coordinated operation, enforcement teams detained and screened 44 individuals for alleged involvement in drug abuse.
“Urine test results found that 35 of them tested positive for methamphetamine, while the remaining were drug-free.
“The positive users – 33 men and two women – will be subjected to further action under the Drug and Substance Dependants and Misusers (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983,” the agency said.
AADK said the operation also exposed a troubling pattern, with most of those detected falling within the productive age group.
The majority – 31 individuals – were aged between 19 and 40, followed by three aged between 41 and 50, and one aged between 51 and 60.
Screening results continue to show methamphetamine as the most widely abused drug in the area, remaining the dominant substance among those involved.
The agency stated that ‘Ops Perdana’ is part of ongoing enforcement efforts to track down suspected drug users and curb drug abuse in both urban and rural communities, particularly in high-risk areas.
AADK remains committed to intensifying such operations, sending a clear message that drug abuse will be met with firm and sustained action.
