Sanusi said drug abuse remained a serious issue in both Kedah and the country, destroying families and the future of young Malaysians hooked on such substances, Harian Metro reported.

“If the police can’t arrest (these drug dealers), they could simply shoot them if they pose a threat or try to escape,” he said, while acknowledging that his suggestion was controversial.

“Don’t protect any drug dealers, arrest them all. If we can’t arrest them, shoot them. Let it be controversial given the gravity of drug dealing.”

Sanusi said he was informed about drug syndicates using Langkawi as a transit centre for distribution activities.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said investigations were being held into an alleged drug trafficking network in Langkawi led by a police officer.

The network reportedly emerged in Langkawi following the death of a so-called local drug lord, “Mat Nahar”, about six years ago.

The ring is allegedly led by a police officer identified as “Mr A”, with several individuals formerly linked to Mat Nahar’s syndicate said to have joined the new operation.