By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 25: The Sarawak Police recorded a surge in drug seizures this year, with the total value of various confiscated substances reaching RM23.6 million, an increase of RM11.5 million or 96.1 percent compared to RM12 million during the same period last year.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mancha Ata highlighted the evolving threat of drug-related crimes, noting that abuse has shifted from traditional substances such as opium and heroin to more dangerous synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine (syabu), ecstasy, and magic mushrooms, which carry severe mental and physical consequences.
“From Jan 1 to Aug 31, 2025, the State recorded 7,799 drug-related arrests, a 3.3 per cent increase from 7,489 arrests during the same period in 2024.
“These arrests encompassed supply, possession, and positive urine test cases, with 448 drug traffickers apprehended,” he said in his text speech when addressing the Sarawak Contingent Police monthly assembly at its headquarters today.
While arrests under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 decreased by 37.5 per cent, from 24 in 2024 to 15 this year, Mancha disclosed that asset seizures linked to drug traffickers surged dramatically.
“A total of RM15.8 million in assets was confiscated, up 363.6 percent from RM3.4 million last year,” he said.
Mancha attributed these successes to continuous intelligence operations and strong public cooperation in curbing local drug activities, urging the public to keep providing information on trafficking.
In a move to strengthen enforcement in challenging areas, he noted that the Sarawak Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) recently received four 4-wheel-drive vehicles from the Sarawak government.
Mancha said the vehicles will enhance patrolling, surveillance, and operational responses in rural and border areas, particularly along smuggling routes and remote locations.
“With these new assets, our NCID Sarawak team can respond faster and more effectively to drug threats, reflecting the Royal Malaysia Police’s ongoing commitment to safeguard the public,” he said. — DayakDaily
