Tag: drug

JKDM Dismantles International Drug Syndicate, Netting Contraband Worth RM300.7 Mln

NILAI, July 1 -- The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) dismantled an international drug distribution syndicate through five separate cases involving the seizure of various types of drugs weighing 4.83 tonnes, estimated to be worth RM300.7 million, from April to June this year. Its director-general, Datuk Amran Ahmad, said that this largest seizure involved 3,396.6 kilogrammes (kg) of heroin worth RM169.83 million, which was found in a container at West Port, Port Klang on June 15. The investigation found that the drugs were hidden in 18,870 boxes of beverages containing a liquid suspected to be heroin. The cargo is believed to have been brought in from a West Asian country in transit before being sent to Australia as the final destination. "This syndicate uses a modus operandi by making false declarations as food, soap, detergent, hair gel, and sponges to deceive the authorities," he said at a press conference at the JKDM headquarters here today. Amran said that the JKDM also seized 161.39 kg of cannabis buds worth RM12.91 million, from 11 cargo cabins containing 269 transparent plastic packages filled with the drugs, during an inspection at a logistics company in the cargo area of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang on May 18. Amran said that following that, two locals in their 20s and 30s, who are shipping agents, were detained to assist in the investigatione. He said three more seizure cases involved various types of drugs and psychotropic substances totallnig 6.11 kg, worth RM978,778, methylenedioxy methamphetamine or MDMA (220.3 kg) amounting to RM33.05 million, and cannabis buds (1,049.5 kg), worth RM83.96 million at various locations including KLIA and Port Klang. All cases are being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Amran added that the biggest success so far proves JKDM's continuous commitment to combating drug smuggling activities that make Malaysia a transit route. -- BERNAMA

NILAI, July 1 — The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) dismantled an international drug distribution syndicate through five separate cases involving the seizure of various types of drugs weighing 4.83 tonnes, estimated to be worth RM300.7 million, from April to June this year. Its director-general, Datuk Amran Ahmad, said that this largest seizure involved 3,396.6 […]

Over 140,000 Synthetic Drug Abuse Cases Recorded Last Year – Saifuddin Nasution

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 -- Synthetic drug abuse in the country continues to present a worrying situation, with 141,817 cases recorded last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He said 145,526 cases were recorded in 2023, followed by 192,852 cases in 2024. “Synthetic drugs are the most widely abused substances in the country, accounting for about 70 per cent of all drug abuse cases, particularly involving Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS),” he said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) on the number of synthetic drug addiction cases from 2023 to date and the government’s strategy to address the rise in the use of such drugs, including fentanyl. Saifuddin Nasution said data obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), Narcotic Addiction Rehabilitation Centres (Puspen) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) showed that cases were concentrated in several states, with the east coast identified as among the worst affected. “Based on the data, we mapped the cases and found the situation to be most severe in the east coast states. This means that in the east coast corridor, the issue is no longer cannabis, heroin, ketum or morphine. “Instead, users are gravitating towards ATS, particularly syabu (methamphetamine). More recently, when police conducted operations against adulterated vapes, we discovered another substance, fentanyl. This is far more dangerous, being dozens of times more potent than morphine and capable of causing death,” he said. Saifuddin Nasution said fentanyl is a new drug that has been added to the list of scheduled substances through amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, enabling enforcement action to be taken against its abuse. However, he said the spread of fentanyl in the country has yet to reach a serious level compared with other synthetic drugs, although its presence has begun to be detected. He added that about 192,000 cases of drug abuse involving all types of drugs have been recorded so far since January this year, equivalent to 560 cases for every 100,000 Malaysians, with nearly 75 per cent involving those aged between 15 and 39. “However, at the district level, Pendang recorded the highest rate, followed by Kuala Krai, while Bachok, Besut and Mersing also ranked among the areas most affected. “These figures are also reflected in our prisons. Out of every 100 inmates, about 70 are linked to drug-related cases, whether convicted or on remand. In some prisons, such as Machang, nearly 100 per cent of cases are drug-related,” he said. He said the AADK has adopted various approaches, including community-based prevention, education programmes in educational institutions, and family and workplace intervention programmes, in addition to working with the PDRM and the Customs Department on enforcement. Replying to a supplementary question from Khoo on whether Malaysia has become a transit hub or distribution centre for drugs, Saifuddin Nasution said advances in technology have made it easier to purchase drugs online. “These platforms do not regulate the goods being sold and purchased. This has become another challenge and risk in terms of enforcement,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — Synthetic drug abuse in the country continues to present a worrying situation, with 141,817 cases recorded last year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He said 145,526 cases were recorded in 2023, followed by 192,852 cases in 2024. “Synthetic drugs are the most widely abused substances in the […]

Accident in Karak: Lorry driver tests positive for drugs

KUANTAN: The trailer driver involved in an accident that claimed four lives at Kilometer 43 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) yesterday was found to have tested positive for drugs. Bentong District Police Chief, Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the 40-year-old man was taken to the Bentong District Police Headquarters for a urine screening test, immediately after completing treatment at the hospital. "The results of the screening test found that the man tested positive for methamphetamine and the driver was arrested at about 4am this morning," he said in a statement today. Previously, the lorry driver was also found to have 15 traffic summonses. In the incident at about 4.30pm, a trailer carrying a load of iron dust hit a Honda City car driven by a 55-year-old man with three passengers aged between one and 58. -- BERNAMA

KUANTAN: The trailer driver involved in an accident that claimed four lives at Kilometer 43 of the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) yesterday was found to have tested positive for drugs. Bentong District Police Chief, Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the 40-year-old man was taken to the Bentong District Police Headquarters for a urine screening test, […]

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 […]

AADK Conducts Drug Prevention Programme In Pulau Banggi

KUDAT, May 24 -- The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) today carried out a drug prevention programme in Pulau Banggi through an aggressive grassroots outreach approach aimed at empowering local communities. AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said in a statement today that the programme, conducted through the Anti-Drug Squad on Two Wheels Roadshow campaign in conjunction with the Drug-Free Aspirations Tour Programme (JABD) 2026, was aimed at strengthening protective synergy with village community institutions. “We continue to implement a grassroots outreach approach directly to communities, families and village society. This is because drug prevention campaigns are no longer centred at the top level, but must truly reach the grassroots,” he said. He said the paradigm shift ensures the country’s drug prevention agenda moves organically, while opening the eyes of the public to become more aware of the dangers posed by the threat. According to him, when such grassroots outreach programmes are held frequently, they would indirectly encourage local residents to consistently adopt healthier activities and lifestyles. He added that through the JABD programme, the initiative was not designed to focus on only one state, but its implementation was targeted comprehensively nationwide. Earlier, the programme was officiated by Banggi assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin and attended by Sabah AADK director Elmariah Chung. -- BERNAMA

KUDAT, May 24 — The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) today carried out a drug prevention programme in Pulau Banggi through an aggressive grassroots outreach approach aimed at empowering local communities. AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh said in a statement today that the programme, conducted through the Anti-Drug Squad on Two Wheels Roadshow campaign in conjunction […]

AKPS KLIA Foils Cocaine Smuggling Bid Worth Nearly RM1.5 Mln

PUTRAJAYA, May 13 — The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 3.3 kilogrammes of cocaine, estimated to be worth RM1.48 million, into the country last Sunday. KLIA Entry Point commander Mohd Safrie Zakaria said the seizure was made at the arrival hall […]

Police Crack Down On Smuggling At KLIA, Seize Over RM5 Million Worth Of Drugs

SHAH ALAM, April 13 -- Police have crippled international drug trafficking syndicates in raids around Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, resulting in the seizure of 82 kilogrammes of drugs estimated to be worth RM5.45 million. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the first case involved the arrest of a 19-year-old salesgirl in the car park of a shopping mall near KLIA on April 5. He said the local woman was arrested after being found in possession of a suitcase containing 12 plastic packages believed to be syabu, weighing about 12.5 kilogrammes and worth an estimated RM625,000. “The suspect tested negative for drugs and had no previous criminal record,” he said at a press conference here today. In the second case, Shazeli said a raid on April 6 at KLIA Terminal 1 uncovered three pieces of luggage believed to belong to three local men, containing 90 plastic packages of cannabis buds weighing 45 kilogrammes and worth RM3.6 million. He said following that three men, aged between 26 and 37, were detained on April 8 by the KLIA Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division. “Two of the suspects tested positive for Amphetamine and Methamphetamine and we also seized £190 (RM1,000) in cash during the raid. “Further investigation found that two of them had four and six previous records respectively, and we believe the drugs were intended for distribution in the international market,” he said. Shazeli said police believe the suspects were acting as drug mules, having been offered lucrative rewards of at least RM5,000, in addition to having their travel tickets and accommodation expenses sponsored by the syndicates. The suspects have been remanded for seven days and the case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act. Meanwhile, Shazeli said police were seeking public assistance to locate a 33-year-old woman, believed to be the owner of the luggage, which was found abandoned at KLIA Terminal 1 and contained 23 plastic packages of syabu, weighing an estimated 24.5 kilogrammes and worth RM1.225 million. He said the woman, identified as Syazwani Farhana Dron, was found to have fled after realising the luggage had been flagged and did not board the flight she was scheduled to take, adding that the seized drugs were believed to be intended for the Sabah market. --BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM, April 13 — Police have crippled international drug trafficking syndicates in raids around Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Sepang, resulting in the seizure of 82 kilogrammes of drugs estimated to be worth RM5.45 million. Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the first case involved the arrest of a 19-year-old salesgirl in the […]

Two SPM Candidates Among 37 Detained By Kedah AADK

Two SPM Candidates Among 37 Detained By Kedah AADK

BUKIT KAYU HITAM, April 13 — Two 17-year-old Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates were among 37 individuals detained after testing positive for drugs in a special operation by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Kedah branch at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here yesterday. State AADK director Md Razif Wan said that in […]