Perak: Police arrested 546 individuals for suspected drug abuse and seized various types of drugs and goods worth RM284,347.30 in a three-day operation, codenamed Op Tapis Khas, which began on Aug 11 in Perak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Police Chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin reported that those arrested included 536 men and 10 women, aged between 19 and 65. Among the detainees were 22 foreigners, including four Indonesians, two Thais, five Myanmarese, one Ukrainian, and 10 Cambodians.

Noor Hisam detailed that of the total arrests, 72 individuals were detained for drug trafficking, 153 for drug possession, and 317 were investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952. Additionally, four people were arrested under Section 3(1) of the DDA (Special Preventive Measures) 1985. Moreover, 16 hardcore addicts were identified and will face action under Section 39C of the DDA 1952, while eight wanted individuals were also apprehended during the operation.

The drugs seized were valued at approximately RM253,471.30 and included 209.38 grams of heroin, 214.86 grams of syabu, 26.19 grams of cannabis, 255.54 grams of ketamine, 283.61 grams of Erimin 5 pills, 39.49 grams of ecstasy pills, 15,500 grams of ketum leaves, and 53.60 litres of ketum water. Additionally, the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department of the Perak Police Contingent Headquarters confiscated five motorcycles and cash amounting to RM30,876.

The operation targeted known hotspots for drug activities, such as Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) settlements, private estates, the Poor People's Housing Programme (PPRT), low-cost flats, and fishing jetties.

Noor Hisam encouraged the public to continue providing information on drug-related activities to the authorities to enhance efforts in combating the crime.