DPM: Anti-drug authorities must outsmart traffickers

The National AntiDrugs Agency ( AADK) and police need to be smarter in tackling the drug menace because trafficking methods have become more sophisticated, said the Deputy Prime Minister.

But Malaysia will not be following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s way of dealing with the drug menace, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “Although it is a global issue, Malaysia needs to do better in tackling this long-term problem.

“I have instructed AADK to look into flaws in the existing system, particularly on enforcement and rehabilitation, which can be improved.

“It can also forge closer ties with other relevant agencies at the international level,” he said.

He said that now, even instructions on how to make synthetic drugs can be found online.

“AADK needs to be aware of this and outsmart the drug traffickers,” he said after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he agreed with his deputy Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed’s statement that the template used by Duterte to deal with the drug problem in the Philippines is not suitable for Malaysia.

“In Malaysia, we have the narcotics division which deals with enforcement while the AADK handles rehabilitation and education.

“Both these agencies are supported by the Customs Department and Border Security Agency,” he said.

On Tuesday, Kinabatangan MP Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin proposed that Malaysia follow Duterte's way of shooting dead drug dealers to end the drug menace.

Earlier, Dr Ahmad Zahid witnessed the ministry's taking of the Anti-Corruption pledge, at the assembly.

Also present was Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission chief com-