KUCHING: The number of drug-related arrests in 2020 has increased drastically in Sarawak despite the country under movement restrictions due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) recorded a total of 10,294 arrests from 9,462 cases.
“It is a drastic increase of 3,687 arrests, compared to 6,607 arrests from 5,906 cases recorded in 2021.
“During the movement restriction period, the public were not allowed to leave their homes, unless necessary.
“In addition, entertainment centres were closed and a curfew was imposed. With that, those who normally abuse drugs as a stress reliever, could not do so or even get their supplies,” added outgoing Sarawak NCID chief ACP Jasmirol Jamaluddin.
“However, the number of drug-related arrests and seizures was high during the period.
“If we look at the arrests, they often take place in budget hotels or rented apartments. This is what we call ‘private parties’, a new phenomenon during the pandemic,” he said on Tuesday (April 12).
He added that these people turned to renting apartments or hotel rooms to feed their drug addiction in groups.
“From there, the demand and supply increased. Demand for drugs from neighbouring countries was also on the rise.
“Courier services played a role for these drug suppliers. They would use the courier service to send drug packages over unbeknown to the courier service.
“When we inspect the packages and examine the details (receiver), we find that the address did not exist and fake phone numbers were used.
“Indirectly, the drugs entering Sarawak are not just meant for entertainment purposes but also for personal use and to be sold to neighbouring countries like Brunei and Kalimantan-Indonesia.”
ACP Jasmirol said Sarawak NCID worked hard to organise a plan to combat drug activities and block the entry of drugs into the state.
