RM600 Million Drug Bust A Wake-up Call For Urgent Action - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The seizure of almost RM600 million worth of drugs, mainly ecstasy, from several drug processing laboratories in the Klang Valley should serve as a wake-up call for the nation, said Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

He said the recent announcement by the Inspector-General of Police, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail, underscored the seriousness of the drug menace, with the quantity seized estimated to supply some 12 million users.

“The presence of such large-scale processing labs within the Klang Valley indicates that international and local syndicates view Malaysia as both a lucrative market and a strategic hub for drug distribution.

“Ecstasy and other synthetic drugs are particularly dangerous, especially to youths and young adults. If these drugs had reached the streets, the social and health impact would have been devastating,” he said in a statement today.

Lee also commended the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for their swift action, noting that their professionalism and dedication had prevented what could have been a national disaster.

However, he stressed the need for stronger preventive measures, including stricter border controls, enhanced intelligence sharing with regional and international agencies, and the use of technology to detect and dismantle drug syndicates.

“The fight against drugs cannot be won by enforcement alone. Parents, schools, community leaders and civil society must play their role in raising awareness, fostering resilience among youths, and reporting suspicious activities,” he said.

Lee added that the seizure should remind all parties that the war against drugs is far from over and that collective effort, vigilance and commitment are crucial to protecting the nation from the scourge.

On Wednesday, Mohd Khalid revealed that police seized 3,586.45 kilogrammes (kg) of drugs worth RM598.9 million in a series of raids in the Klang Valley on Sept 10.

-- BERNAMA