Kelantan Sees Surge In Drug Related Crime Says Home Minister

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 Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says the spike in drug cases is fuelling overcrowding in prisons across the state.
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said most seized substances in Kelantan are synthetic, particularly pil kuda (yaba), with cannabis appearing in much smaller quantities. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: Drug trafficking and abuse in Kelantan have reached alarming levels over the past two years, says home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
He said briefings and observations during his working visit to the state today revealed that drug-related offences remain among the most pressing security issues, Bernama reported.
“Data indicates that the majority of drugs seized fall under the synthetic category, such as pil kuda (yaba) and other stimulant-based substances. Cannabis was also seized, but in much smaller quantities.
“There has been a steady rise in drug abuse, distribution and trafficking, as reflected in the number of arrests and cases that result in convictions,” he was quoted as saying after visiting the immigration, customs, quarantine and security (ICQS) complex in Rantau Panjang.
Saifuddin said data from the health ministry, Bukit Aman’s narcotics crime investigation department, the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and rehab centres show there are around 23,000 drug abuse cases in Kelantan.
“This places Kelantan’s ratio at over 1,000 cases per 100,000 people, far exceeding the national average of 566,” he emphasised.
The worst-hit districts are Jeli, Kuala Krai, Bachok, Tanah Merah and Pasir Puteh.
Saifuddin also said rising drug cases are fuelling prison overcrowding, with Machang prison now holding more than double its official capacity of 1,560, and 80% of them jailed for drug offences.
“Pengkalan Chepa prison is also overcrowded with 2,977 inmates, of which 65% are drug-related offences,” he said.
To address the crisis, Saifuddin has ordered the state police to intensify enforcement and collaborate closely with AADK on preventive strategies.
“I also stressed the importance of raising awareness within the community and schools to combat the scourge of drug abuse,” he added. - FMT

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