Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun, in his opening speech at a meeting of the heads of narcotics criminal investigation divisions today, said he hoped the achievements would be a benchmark as they strove to increase their momentum this year.
Among the biggest hauls were the seizure of RM25 million worth of syabu and ecstasy pills involving four men in Penang in August; RM72.49 million worth of syabu, ermine and ecstasy involving three individuals in Penang in September; and RM33.83 million worth of syabu involving four men in Perak in December.
Fuzi also warned police personnel against getting involved in drugs which he said was the primary reason for people’s negative perception of the department.
The number of police personnel arrested for any kind of involvement in drugs increased between 2013 and 2017 before recording a fall last year from 451 to 415, he said.
“I applaud the action taken by the narcotics division to carry out periodic and sudden urine tests on its personnel. I believe with these tests, we can instil the sense of fear and thus reduce the incidences of our personnel being involved in drugs,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said police in Cameron Highlands had received more than 10 reports from various parties concerning the by-election, none of which were criminal in nature.
“We have about 1,300 personnel on duty to keep things under control. Most of the offences were committed under the Election Commission Act and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act.
“I am not sure about the two police reports lodged yesterday by one of the candidates, but police will continue to monitor the situation and we hope this momentum will continue until voting day,” he said.
On the fate of the Malaysian women and children currently trapped in Syria and Iraq after following their husbands and fathers there, Fuzi said the police had received several applications from their families to help them get back home.
“Unfortunately, the responses from the victims in Syria and Iraq are unclear.
“So far, Turkey has cooperated with us, but we are having trouble locating these individuals. If they are serious about coming home, they should contact their family members or call us directly, we will do what we can,” he said.