KUCHING: Arrests linked to drug abuse and trafficking activities in Sarawak have increased to 8,460 between Jan 1 and July 12 this year.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Saifullizan Ishak said the figure represents a 32.7 per cent increase from 6,375 arrests recorded during the same period last year.
He said the arrests involved various offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, including drug trafficking, possession and drug abuse.
“During the same period, 429 drug traffickers were successfully apprehended through continuous enforcement operations,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak Police Contingent monthly assembly at the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters this morning.
He also noted that the Sarawak Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) also achieved significant success in drug seizures, with the value of confiscated drugs and poisons reaching RM64 million, compared to RM11 million in the previous year.
“This increase of RM52.9 million (477.8 per cent) reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and more aggressive, well-coordinated enforcement actions.
“In addition, preventive action under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 also showed positive progress, with 18 arrests recorded compared to 11 arrests in the previous year, representing an increase of 63.6 per cent.”
Saifullizan added that the significant increase in arrests and the value of drug seizures recorded this year demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Sarawak in combating drug-related threats.
“Through consistent enforcement, intelligence-based actions, and continuous integrated operations throughout the state, numerous drug trafficking and abuse activities have been detected, dismantled, and acted upon.
“Hence, NCID will continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in the state,” he said.
