Tag: 100 cases

689 drug addicts volunteer to seek treatment, rehabilitation AADK

GEORGE TOWN, Jun 13 -- A total of 689 individuals have voluntarily come forward to receive treatment and rehabilitation related to drug abuse through the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) programme until May 31, reflecting the increasing public awareness of the rehabilitation opportunities provided by the government. AADK Enforcement and Security Division Director Mahadzir Elias said the approach provides an opportunity for addicts to voluntarily come forward to receive treatment without having to go through the legal process, as well as reducing the stigma society places on the group.      "The number involves individuals who are seeking treatment and rehabilitation at the Narcotics Addiction Rehabilitation Centre (PUSPEN) and those who come forward to seek treatment will not face legal action," he said at a press conference after the Penang AADK Special Prevention Operation here, last night. Since the amendment to the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 came into effect on August 22, 2025, he said the AADK has opened up wider space for individuals involved in drug abuse to come forward to receive help voluntarily. He said for voluntary treatment and rehabilitation, AADK officers will assess the level of drug involvement and offer treatment packages ranging from three months to two years depending on their level of seriousness. Mahadzir said AADK had arrested 14,518 addicts and those involved in drug abuse nationwide as of May 31, which is 30.43 percent of the target of 47,000 individuals set for this year. Regarding the current trend in drug abuse, he said the pattern is now changing as users no longer gather in specific locations as before, but instead use the illicit substance at home, at work or in locations that are considered safer. Acknowledging that AADK is currently facing the challenge of dealing with the emergence of new drug substances, including those used through vaping, he stressed that most of the substances involved can still be detected through screening tests conducted by the agency. Meanwhile, Mahadzir said that in the AADK Special Prevention Operation in Penang which was carried out for three days until yesterday, a married couple who tested positive for morphine and methamphetamine while with their two three-year-old children and an eight-month-old baby were among 164 individuals arrested. "Of the 164 individuals arrested, 149 tested positive for drugs, while nine others were found to be violating the conditions of Community Rehabilitation Treatment (RPDK) with men recording the highest number of arrests, namely 155 people or 94.5 percent compared to nine women, all aged 19 to 65 years old. "Based on an analysis of the type of drug, methamphetamine is the most abused substance with 100 cases or 61 percent of all arrests, followed by opiates with 35 cases and marijuana (18 cases). He said his party used drone technology complete with a heat detection system or thermal technology  in the operation to monitor drug activity hotspots including in plantations, forests and villages, even at night. -- BERNAMA 

GEORGE TOWN, Jun 12 — A total of 689 individuals have voluntarily come forward to receive treatment and rehabilitation related to drug abuse through the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) programme until May 31, reflecting the increasing public awareness of the rehabilitation opportunities provided by the government. AADK Enforcement and Security Division Director Mahadzir Elias said […]