10000 arrested over drug-related cases this year - The Star Online

JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested more than 10,000 suspects and seized items worth almost RM6mil in drug-related cases in the state so far this year.

State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Shariff said 9,975 drug addicts had been charged in court while 6,933 suspects were detained under the Drug Dependants (Treatment and rehabilitation) Act 1983.

"The police also detained 63 suspects believed to be drug traffickers," he said, adding that as of Tuesday, state police had seized RM5.93mil worth of property under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988.

DCP Mohd Mokhtar also said police had raided 411 entertainment centres in the state and conducted 5,002 checks, during which 591 suspects tested positive for drugs use.

"Ecstasy remains the most popular drug consumed with 368kg seized so far, followed by ketamine (65kg) and ganja (60kg)," he said after the monthly police assembly here at the state police headquarters.

DCP Mohd Mokhtar said police would go all out to win the war against drugs in the state.

He pointed out that his men were given specific orders to arrest at least one addict a day.

"The state recorded a drop of 60.91% in the crime index as of October this year."

Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, DCP Mohd Moktar urged those living in flood-prone areas to follow instruction given by the authorities.

"Those affected should not stay in their houses and move to a relief centre immediately," he said.

"I have given orders to all district police chiefs to increase their patrols at flood-hit areas to make sure nobody takes the opportunity to steal valuables from the victims' homes."