KUALA LUMPUR: Police seized RM2.85 billion worth of drugs and controlled substances in the first nine months of this year, a 43.63 per cent increase from the same period last year.
Federal Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the value of seizures rose by RM865.45 million from RM1.98 billion recorded between January and September last year.
"The increase of RM865.45 million, or 43.63 per cent, reflects the significant value of seizures resulting from enforcement action against drug trafficking and controlled substances," he said in a statement.
Police recorded 167,601 drug-related cases nationwide during the nine-month period, resulting in 186,257 arrests.
Selangor recorded the highest number of cases, with 23,195 cases and 26,368 arrests.
Kedah ranked second with 18,843 cases and 19,601 arrests, followed by Kelantan with 18,008 cases and 19,712 arrests.
Hussein said police seized 36,612.72kg of drugs and 30,580.19 litres of drugs in liquid form during the period.
They also confiscated 45,382.70kg and 106,092.56 litres of substances regulated under the Poisons Act.
He said the NCID remained concerned about the increasingly complex threat posed by drug trafficking syndicates, particularly organised criminal networks exploiting various smuggling methods, technology and communication channels.
The department would strengthen its enforcement strategies through a more proactive, integrated and intelligence-driven approach, he added.
"Priority will continue to be given to dismantling drug supply networks, curbing smuggling activities and identifying individuals and groups responsible for driving drug trafficking activities in the country."
Hussein said cooperation with domestic enforcement agencies and international strategic partners would also be strengthened to tackle cross-border drug trafficking.
He said intelligence gathering and strategic cooperation with other enforcement agencies remained crucial to detecting and disrupting syndicate operations.
The NCID would continue to intensify nationwide operations to combat drug trafficking and abuse, he added.
Hussein also urged the public to provide information on suspected drug-related activities.
"Public cooperation is extremely important in ensuring drug-related crimes can be curbed before they have a greater impact on the country's security and well-being," he said.
Information can be channelled to the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.members of the public could channel information through the NCID hotline at 012-208 7222.
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