Op Tapis: Cops arrest 274 in Kelantan

KOTA BHARU - The Kelantan police have arrested 274 individuals for various drug-related offences, with seizures estimated to be valued at RM49,087.80.

State police chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the arrests were made in the Tapis Khas Se-Malaysia Operation carried out by the Kelantan Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) for three days from Monday.

The operation, he said involved 159 officers and personnel.

"A total of 274 were arrested for various offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952.

"Six of them were detained as they were believed to have trafficked the drugs while 112 were in possession of drugs and poison, administering drugs (102), repeat drug offenders (24) and those with arrest warrants (30)," he said in a press conference, yesterday.

He said those arrested were aged between 18 and 61 years old, 217 of whom were men and three women.

"Several types of drugs were seized totaling RM49,087.80.

"The items seized were 6.44 grammes (g) of heroin, cannabis (14.43g), methamphetamine (463.2g), psychotropic pills (0.3g) ketum leaves (three kilogrammes), ketum drinks (132.45 litres) and codeine liquid (0.62 litres)," he said.

Zaki said the drugs that were seized were purportedly used by 4,877 drug addicts.

"Actions were also taken under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 with confiscation of vehicles and cash amounting to RM50,511.

"In the operation, 155 locations were inspected and raids were carried out at drug dens including at the rubber and palm oil plantation areas," he said.

Zaki said the state police especially the NCID will continue efforts to eradicate abuse and trafficking of drugs in the state.

"The public is urged to continue channeling information through the NCID hotline at 012-2087222 for drug related issues," he said.