Ulu klang: The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) has reported 1,084 positive drug cases following inspections at the country's border entry points from 2024 to March 31 of this year. This data was derived from the screening of 3,625 Malaysians returning from neighboring countries, with a significant increase noted during festive seasons and school holidays.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh highlighted that in 2024, 494 individuals were apprehended after testing positive for drugs. Among those arrested were 444 men and 50 women, with methamphetamine being the most commonly detected drug in 148 cases, followed by ketamine (109 cases), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabis (96 cases), '4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine' (MDMA) (80 cases), benzo (62 cases), ketum (23 cases), and opiates (four cases).
In the previous year, 415 individuals were arrested, including 392 men and 23 women. Methamphetamine was again the leading drug found in 140 cases, followed by ketamine (108 cases), THC (70 cases), benzo (59 cases), MDMA (31 cases), opiates (five cases), and ketum in two cases. This year, until March 31, 175 individuals aged 18 to 60 were arrested, comprising 167 men and eight women, with methamphetamine again topping the list in 65 cases, followed by ketamine (43 cases), THC (32 cases), MDMA (22 cases), and ketum (13 cases).
Ruslin addressed the importance of avoiding drug abuse while abroad, warning that the Drug Addicts Act 1983 permits strict action against offenders. He stated that AADK has stationed Border Anti-Drug Units in Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan to monitor the entry of Malaysians from neighboring countries, including strategic locations such as the ferry route in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan.
Additionally, Ruslin emphasized the significance of the 2026 Drug-Free Aspiration Tour (JABD) Programme in Kampung Kemensah, Ulu Klang, which incorporates the Kampung Angkat Bebas Dadah (KABD) initiative. This national community-based program aims to increase awareness regarding the dangers of drugs and promote a healthy lifestyle among the community.