KUCHING, Sept 25: Sarawak recorded an alarming 1,267 cases of drug and substance abuse in the month of August alone.
Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said 1,359 arrests were made from 905 operations and raids carried out by Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Sarawak and Customs Department.
“Just in August, 49 kg of various types of drugs worth RM5.33 million were seized.
Of these, 21.9 kg were Syabu or Methamphetamine; 25.8 kg Ecstasy powder; 1.4kg Ketamine and 69 gm cannabis. A total of 13,666 pills were also seized, of which 11,105 are Eramin 5; 2,543 Ecstasy and 18 Nospan.
“The issue of drug and substance abuse needs to be seriously addressed properly because of its impact on the well-being of the community,” Fatimah said in a press conference.
Giving an example, she cited the recent case of an elderly woman who was stabbed to death by her own grandson at Kampung Rampangi.
Initial investigation revealed that the grandson was positive for methamphetamine and he was in a dazed state when arrested by the police.
A review on his past records also revealed two arrests from drug related activities last year.
“The incident is a result of drug and substance abuse that threatened the well-being and safety of the family. It clearly shows that drug abuse especially syabu or methamphetamine can cause a person to lose self-control.
“Therefore, I urged all parties to work together and cooperate with the authorities in combating drug and substance abuse activities in Sarawak.” — DayakDaily
