KUCHING: A total of 727 arrests were recorded in the state after 569 anti-drug enforcement operations were carried out as of last month.
Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development (KKWPK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah stated that the enforcement activities were done by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department; Sarawak National Anti -Drug Agency (AADK); and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department Sarawak.
“Out of the total arrests, 51 people were involved in drug distribution; 169 were arrested for possession of drugs and substance while the other 507 arrests were due to positive urine screening,” she revealed at a press conference after the monthly report of the ‘One-Stop Centre (OSC) Menangani Isu Dadah dan Substance (MIDS)’ at the Baitul Makmur II Building here yesterday.
She further explained that the number of arrests in April for drug and substance possession decreased by seven percent compared to March this year.
“If we were to compare the arrests, April showed a decrease of 5.5 percent as March recorded a total of 770 arrests.
“In April, the related agencies also seized a total of 20kg of various drugs such as 1.7 kg of syabu or methamphetamine; ecstasy (0.06kg); cannabis (18.2kg); and Ketamine (0.001kg).
“This shows that the number of seizures had also decreased by 44.73 percent compared to March which recorded a drug seizure of 36 kg. The estimated value of seizures in April was RM225,219,” she added.
Fatimah stated that through the operations as well, about 217 pills were seized, a 98.55 percent decrease compared to March.
“As a result of the arrests and seizures, we can restrict the supply and demand of drugs and illicit substances in Sarawak,” she said.
