They comprise eight women and 153 men, aged 19 to 64.

Penang topped the list for the wanted drug dealers with 24 names, followed by Selangor and Perak (21 each), and Kelantan (19). Perlis, the smallest state, had none.

Federal deputy NCID director Deputy Comm Kang Chez Chiang said the individuals’ whereabouts are being traced.

He added that they are being investigated under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.

In a statement, he said the police’s main agenda would be the eradication of drug dealers and drug abusers.

He added that police are also doubling their efforts, as well as coming up with different approaches and initiatives to keep up with changing drug trends.

“Our department works together with the media, non-governmental organisations and community leaders to cut off drug syndicates at the root,” he said.

Kang said anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects should contact the police.