Kuala lumpur: The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) arrested 1,078 individuals during Ops Cegah Khas, which was conducted nationwide over three days starting Monday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, AADK deputy director-general (Operations) Zainudin Abdullah stated that the district with the highest number of arrests in Perak was Kinta, with 164 arrests. This was followed by Larut, Matang and Selama, with 55, and Hulu Perak, with 48.

In the crackdown in the Kinta district, AADK raided several drug dens in areas such as Chemor, Tambun, Bercham, and Menglembu. A notable arrest during the operation included a 58-year-old woman under the supervision of the Kinta district AADK, along with her 65-year-old husband, who has a previous police arrest record. The couple, who are unemployed, are financially supported by their children for their drug addiction.

Intelligence reports also revealed that drug dens near cemeteries, waste disposal sites, and overgrown bushes have resumed activities despite previous shutdowns by AADK earlier this year. These locations are reportedly active between 6 am and 10 am, and then again from 5 pm to 7 pm, often hosting around 20 to 30 addicts at any given time.

Zainudin Abdullah emphasized that AADK plans to intensify enforcement operations in alignment with the amendments to the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 (Act 283).