Stringent laws led to seizure of nearly RM1bil properties linked to drug-related offences, says Saifuddin
PETALING JAYA: Nearly RM1bil worth of properties linked to drug-related offences have been seized since 2019.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that recognising the intricate connections between drug trafficking, corruption, and other forms of organised crime, Malaysia remained steadfast in implementing effective strategies to combat these threats through stringent law enforcement measures.

"This includes the vigorous seizure and forfeiture of assets acquired through illicit activities. "Since 2019, Malaysia has successfully seized properties valued at RM990mil related to drug-related crimes," he said at the High-Level Segment of the 67th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna on Thursday (March 14).

He added that law enforcement agencies also diligently dismantled a total of 98 clandestine laboratories and apprehended 351 individuals involved in such illicit activities.

"We have made significant progress over the past five years, but much work remains to be done.

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances persist as grave threats to our nations and societies," he said, adding that addressing the root causes of drug-related issues demands a concerted, coordinated, multisectoral and evidence-based approach.

"The Malaysian Government has established a dedicated Cabinet-level mechanism to foster collaboration and synergy among key stakeholders, developing comprehensive strategies to diminish the supply and demand for drugs and psychotropic substances.

"In Malaysia drug dependence and misuse pose significant challenges, with the number of affected individuals continually escalating," he said adding that recognising the imperative for immediate action, Malaysia is reforming its approach to treatment and rehabilitation.

He said this included amending the Drug Dependent Act 1983, with a focus on transitioning from a punitive to a treatment-oriented paradigm.

"In controlling the movement of drugs and psychotropic substances, a total of 16,865 import and export authorisations or permits were issued from 2020 to 2023.

"The findings of analytical laboratories regarding the detection of new substances serve as the cornerstone for regulating these substances under our national laws," he said adding that this proactive approach addresses the challenges posed by the emergence of new drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS), ensuring robust control measures are in place to mitigate their proliferation and potential harm.

Saifuddin said the Malaysian Volunteer Corps Department (Rela) also played a pivotal role in supporting the police in border control operations and crackdowns on the trafficking of human beings, illicit drugs, and contraband goods.

"Through collaborative efforts between RELA and law enforcement authorities, Malaysia reinforces its commitment to safeguarding its borders and combating transnational crimes, thus contributing to regional security and stability.

"As we navigate this collective endeavour, it is imperative that we harness our collective strengths and resources to tackle this shared challenge head-on," he said pledging for Malaysia to enhance international and regional cooperation in countering the World Drug Problem in accordance with our international and regional treaties obligations and the Anti-Drug Strategic Plan 2021-2025 of Malaysia.
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PETALING JAYA: Nearly RM1bil worth of properties linked to drug-related offences have been seized since 2019.