Penang: The Penang police are enhancing awareness campaigns in schools this year following an increase in drug abuse among students in 2024. Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said that although statistics indicated an increase, the situation remained under control, and immediate measures were being taken to address the issue.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, last year, 46 individuals, including three female students, were involved in drug use. In contrast, 2023 recorded only 21 individuals, including one female. This significant increase has prompted the police to take drastic measures this year by enhancing school awareness campaigns. The goal is to address the issue at its root, particularly among schoolchildren. It is recognised that drug abuse can lead to other criminal activities, such as illegal street racing, with erratic behaviors often manifesting as dangerous racing on roads late at night. There is a belief that drugs may be involved in these activities.
Hamzah shared these insights after inaugurating the Penang Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) community policing programme to combat drugs at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) in Kepala Batas. He added that the programme's primary objective is to improve the effectiveness of operations and raids against drug trafficking and smuggling while enhancing collaboration with agencies, non-governmental organisations, and the community.
To realise the programme's goal of addressing drug abuse and trafficking more effectively, several key initiatives are being implemented. These include reinforcing operations to clear high-risk areas, apprehending drug traffickers and smugglers, and enhancing cooperation with various parties to combat these activities. Hamzah emphasized the growing threat of drug abuse, noting that although this enemy cannot be seen physically, it causes significant harm to lives, families, communities, and the nation.
Last year, the Penang Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) demonstrated significant success in tackling drug-related crimes, with arrests rising by 61 per cent to 22,465 individuals, compared to 13,937 in 2023. Additionally, the Penang NCID successfully seized various types of drugs worth RM19.47 million, including two major cases involving the confiscation of 51.4 kg of syabu valued at RM1.67 million.