AADK steps up anti-drugs operation in Labuan

LABUAN: The National Anti- Drug Agency (AADK) wants to address drug abuse among the locals more effectively, due to the rising number of persons under supervision ( PUS).

Labuan AADK chief Mohd Hanip Juarip said all the PUS were locals aged between 15 (school dropout) and 55 years old.

“We need to intensify our operation in all identified areas that are becoming drug dens. The number of PUS is rising steadily,” he told Bernama in an interview yesterday.

The number of PUS on the island stood at 201 people including 13 women. The increase was significant compared to 66 people (five women) in 2015 before rising to 117 (10 women) last year.

“Our increased operations have resulted in a surge of PUS. We will continue to cooperate with enforcement agencies and local authorities in combating drug abuse among locals.”

Hanip said 105 people were arrested from Jan to Nov, compared to 32 in 2015 and 82 in 2016.

“We are going all out to combat the drug menace as directed by the Home Ministry.”

The PUS are required to report to AADK once a month, failing which they could be charged in court and liable to a maximum of three years jail sentence and three whippings, or both under Subsection (3) of the Drug Addiction (Treatment & Rehabilitation) Act 1983. — Bernama