Lunas: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has denied a news report that likened drug trafficking activities in Langkawi to the operations of an international cartel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin stated that the scale of drug trafficking on the resort island cannot be compared to the drug operations led by notorious drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, who controlled a vast drug trafficking network. Saifuddin remarked, "In Langkawi, it's not that big of a deal, but that's okay, the media (Harian Metro) chose to say that, that's okay, that's their choice."
He emphasized that intelligence operations are ongoing and are not reactive to media reports. "We just know, we act on all the intelligence information we have and our spying is not just after the media reveals it, no, it's spying all the time and when the time comes, we will take action to raid, then we do it," Saifuddin explained. These comments were made to reporters after a ceremony on Instilling Noble Values at his Community Service Centre in Taman Sejahtera, Lunas.
Saifuddin highlighted that the investigation into drug trafficking activities in Langkawi is being conducted thoroughly, covering all elements, including organized crimes and allegations of law enforcement officers' involvement. He made it clear that the police would hold accountable any individuals, including officers, involved in such activities by opening investigation papers according to existing laws.
Addressing the proposal by Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, for police to take extreme measures against drug dealers, Saifuddin stressed the need for a rational approach to the drug issue. He also pointed out that Kedah is one of the states facing significant drug challenges, particularly with repeat offenses under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Saifuddin asserted, "So we have to sit calmly, with a cooler head, rationally and objectively. It is not as easy as saying 'shoot', that is to be popular, but it is not certain that it will solve the problem."