Kuala lumpur: A 61-year-old man with over 40 years of drug abuse history was among 128 people detained under the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK)'s Op Perdana that was conducted simultaneously around the capital and Labuan last night. AADK director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh disclosed that the man, employed as a contract labourer, has a history of being imprisoned over ten times and has faced six strokes of the rotan for drug-related offences since his youth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the man, despite suffering from diabetes, continues his drug habit. He is married, with his family residing in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. This case highlights the significant challenge authorities face in tackling hardcore addiction, especially among those who have been dependent on drugs for decades, despite various treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
The operation in the capital city involved 77 personnel targeting drug hotspots, including abandoned construction sites on Jalan Imbi and a nearby People's Housing Project (PPR). A total of 112 people were detained in Kuala Lumpur and another 16 in Labuan. Preliminary screenings revealed 77 tested positive for syabu, eight for ganja, five for benzodiazepine, and the remainder for heroin.
Ruslin reported that those detained were Malaysians aged between 19 and 61, comprising 123 men and five women. Among them were long-term heroin users, aged 40 to 60, who have been dependent on drugs for a long time. Intelligence indicates the drug haunt in the Jalan Imbi area is active from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 7 pm, with both first-time users and long-time addicts frequenting the spot.
He explained that under the amended Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, which will be enforced this year, even social drug users, such as those in nightclubs or concerts, may face action and be ordered to undergo treatment. Those seeking change will be given the opportunity for treatment at community centres, while hardcore addicts will face a two-year detention order at rehabilitation centres.
Ruslin confirmed that a 14-day remand application will be made today for all detainees to facilitate further investigation, including laboratory confirmation tests. He reiterated that such operations will be conducted nationwide until the end of the year.