95 per cent of drug busts in Kuala Kedah involve fishermen

ALOR SETAR, Feb 1 -- The problem of drug abuse among fishermen operating in Kuala Kedah is an issue of concern, as a significant number of them have been arrested for drug-related offences by police since Jan 24.

Kota Setar district police chief, ACP Ahmad Shukri Mat Akhir said based on the integrated operations conducted by police in the area during that period, 95 per cent of the 101 individuals arrested were fishermen.

“Most fishermen take drugs claiming they provide a physical boost while out at sea, in addition to stimulating them to work harder to eke out a living.

“The fishermen get their supply of drugs inland and they take the drugs before going out to sea to boost their energy as they have to work for long hours,” he told reporters, here, today.

According to him, most fishermen go out to sea to eke out a living for their families, but for those with a drug habit, they go out in hopes of finding money to feed their addiction.

On the 101 arrests, Ahmad Shukri said 10 individuals were held under Sections 39(B), 39A(1) and 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for suspected drug trafficking.

“The remaining 91 individuals were arrested under Sections 15(1) and 12(2) of the same act as well as the Poisons Act 1952 for drug possession and abuse,” he said.

-- BERNAMA