Pics by L. Manimaran
IPOH: Perak police have disposed of illegal drugs valued at over RM26 million, which were seized from more than 5,400 completed court cases between 2012 and 2024.
Deputy Perak police chief, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Azlin Sadari, said the disposal included 404kg of syabu, 165kg of cannabis, 46kg of ketamine, 652kg of ketum leaves, and more than 3 million millilitres of ketum juice.
He told reporters that the exhibits were from 15 districts across the state, representing the culmination of meticulous enforcement and successful prosecution of thousands of drug-related cases.
Between Jan 1 and Aug 24 this year, a total of 13,997 individuals were arrested in Perak for drug offences. Of these, 1,918 were arrested for drug trafficking, an 11 per cent increase from the same period last year. A total of 351 individuals were charged under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment.
Mohammad Azlin said a total of 51 individuals, identified as syndicate masterminds, planners, or financiers, were arrested under the Special Preventive Measures Act 1985. Possession-related arrests also rose by 13 per cent, with 4,816 suspects detained. However, arrests related to urine tests saw an eight per cent decline, with 7,212 individuals arrested.
Drug seizures so far this year are valued at RM15.7 million, with syabu, ketamine, and heroin accounting for the largest share. The Perak Legal Division of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department opened 4,827 investigation papers under the Dangerous Drugs Act and the Poisons Act this year, with 4,714 of those cases already charged in court.
Enforcement under the Forfeiture of Property Act 1988 led to the confiscation of assets, including homes, land, vehicles, jewellery, and bank accounts, worth RM6.3 million, all linked to drug traffickers.
Mohammad Azlin thanked the public for their continued support and urged everyone to come forward with information on drug activities. “Only through collective effort can we ensure that Perak remains safe and free from this menace,” he said.
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