Crackdown on drug offenders to bring down crime index
MIRI: Miri police will continue to conduct drug raids around the city to bring down the crime index.
Miri police chief ACP Gan Tian Kee, met recently, revealed an increase in the number of raids carried out by the Narcotics Department.
“From Jan 1 to March 16 this year, a total of 187 people have been arrested for various offences from 140 in the corresponding period last year,” Gan said.
Out of the 187 arrested this year, 115 came under Section 15(1) (a) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 for abusing illegal substances, 38 more compared to last year’s 77.
Gan said the number of arrests under Section 12( 2) of the Dangerous Drug Act had also increased from 25 last year to 43 this year.
“There has been a decline in the number of people arrested under Section 39 ( B) of the Dangerous Drug Act 1952 and 39A ( 2) of the same Act in the first three months of this year, with only two arrested under both sections,” he added.
For the corresponding period last year, three were arrested under both section.
As for others, 11 were arrested under Section 39A (1) of the Dangerous Drug Act and 14 under Section 3(1) of the of the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
Only two types of illegal substances were seized so far this year - Syabu and Ketamine.
Last year, seven types of drugs were seized: Ecstacy pills (48.43g), Syabu (26.32g), Erimin 5 (29.63g), Ketamine (44.8g), Syabu liquid ( 6222g) and Amphetamine (7.58g).
“From Jan 1 to March 16 this year, Narcotics police seized 206.26g of Syabu and 0.84g of Ketamine. For Syabu, there was an increase of 26.32g seized this year compared to last year,” Gan said.
But the amount of Ketamine seized was less this year compared to last year’s 44.8g.