Drugs sold for as low as RM18

PUTRAJAYA - Synthetic drugs could be bought for as low as RM18 on the dark web as well as on the Telegram and WhatApp messaging applications.

This was revealed by National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) director-general Sutekno Ahmad Belon.

"Purchasing drugs via the site and the two apps are among addicts' choices besides obtaining them from drug pushers," he said in a press conference after the Cabinet Committee on Eradication of Drugs (JKMD) meeting with the Home Ministry, today.

He said based on the experiences of AADK’s clients, the price may include delivery charges as well.

"The authorities are consulting with the ministry that supervises couriers to review and implement regulations.

"Parents should also check every package received at home," he said.

He said new addicts would spend about RM50 for drug supplies that would last them three days.

"The amount they spent to obtain the drugs will increase depending on the level of seriousness of drug addiction and purity of the substances,” he said.

To increase awareness on the effects of drug abuse and abuse of prohibited substances, Sutekno said the JKMD meeting suggested that all relevant ministries, departments and agencies work together to formulate, organise effective and beneficial initiatives or programmes for drug addicts to maintain a life-lasting rehabilitation.

"JKMD also took it seriously and agreed that the Home Ministry through AADK organise the One Million Anti-Drug Squad Members campaign," he said.

Sutekno said the government was actively drafting a bill for the Drug and Substance Abuse (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act to replace the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1984.