Kedah police arrest 77 civil servants for drug abuse, seize RM47.6 million in narcotics, and report a 13.2% rise in drug cases this year
ALOR SETAR: A total of 77 civil servants, including Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers and personnel, have been arrested in Kedah for alleged drug abuse.
Kedah police chief Datuk Azli Abu Shah stated the force takes the matter seriously and will not compromise with any officer or civil servant involved in drug activities.
Statistics show 26,907 drug-related cases were recorded in the state from January 1 to December 21.
This marks a 13.2% increase from the 23,759 cases reported during the same period last year.
A total of 27,657 individuals were detained, with 24,335 identified as drug addicts, representing a 14.6% rise.
“Of that number, 77 individuals were civil servants, including police officers and personnel,” Azli told a press conference.
He emphasised that PDRM leadership is not ashamed to address the issue and will show no leniency.
The value of drugs seized this year soared to RM47.6 million, a nearly 500% increase from RM8.8 million in 2023.
Major seizures included 426 kg of ganja buds, 419 kg of syabu, 192 kg of ganja, 120 kg of heroin base, and 73 kg of heroin.
Police also arrested 1,474 individuals under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for repeat offences.
Azli noted this is the highest number of Section 39C arrests nationwide among police contingents.
He credited the significant arrests and seizures to the high commitment of officers despite manpower constraints.
Enforcement efforts will continue into 2026 to curb drug abuse in the state.
“We have a clear direction and will further detail our strategy for next year,” Azli said.
A key focus remains enforcement under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Azli linked drug addiction to crime, noting index crime reports in Kedah decreased by nearly 5,000 cases.
“Almost 46% of index crimes in Kedah involve theft and other offences, most of which are committed by drug addicts,” he explained.
