Kuala lumpur: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) seized 150,106 kilogrammes of drugs and poisons worth RM1.85 billion in 622 operations nationwide from January to June this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bukit Aman NCID director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that these operations successfully dismantled 155 drug trafficking syndicates, leading to 441 arrests. In comparison to the same period last year, 178 syndicates were dismantled with an identical number of arrests. The seizures last year totaled 123,996 kg, valued at RM1.77 billion.
Hussein emphasized that these statistics highlight the severity of the drug threat in the country and demonstrate the police's commitment to combating drug smuggling, distribution, and abuse. Intelligence-led operations resulted in the raiding of nine illegal drug laboratories and the arrest of 18 individuals.
The department also seized syndicate assets valued at RM79.2 million, with an additional RM10.84 million forfeited to prevent the syndicates from bolstering their networks with illicit proceeds. During the same period, 503 individuals were arrested under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, compared to 308 last year. Furthermore, action under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 was taken against 4,427 repeat addicts.
Hussein outlined the NCID's transition from tactical and reactive operations to a strategic enforcement model driven by intelligence, data, and technology. The focus will be on controlling precursor chemicals, disrupting supply chains, seizing syndicate assets, and enhancing digital financial forensics. The use of artificial intelligence and big data will be integral to improving operations.
The department is also working to enhance collaboration with other agencies, refine standard operating procedures and laws, and implement outcome-based governance. Hussein stressed that the objective is to ensure operations result not only in arrests and seizures but also in genuinely crippling the finances, networks, and overall capabilities of the syndicates.