Drug abuse among Malaysian under-15s a growing concern, says Saifuddin Nasution

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has expressed concern over the rising trend of drug abuse among Malaysian children under the age of 15. According to him, individuals aged between 15 and 39 constitute the majority of those involved in drug abuse. To combat this issue, Saifuddin emphasized the importance of preventive measures, early education, and parental involvement.

He highlighted that the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has three main functions - education and prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation - to address drug abuse.

Saifuddin further discussed a recent incident where 521 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized from a private jet in Laos. The drugs were detected aboard the aircraft before it departed for Manila from Subang Airport. The aircraft had initially left Subang for Laos without any drugs, but the consignment was loaded onto the plane while in Laos.

The Lao authorities discovered the drugs as the aircraft approached Manila. The investigation is currently focusing on the aircraft's owner, its pilot, co-pilot, and the charter party.

Additionally, Saifuddin mentioned that the identity of the aircraft owner has been determined, but further details of the investigation remain undisclosed at this time. In a previous case, Lao police seized 521 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from a private Learjet that had arrived from Malaysia at Luang Prabang International Airport.

Thirteen individuals were arrested in connection with the case, following a security operation on October 1. The operation was initiated after receiving information about a drug trafficking syndicate suspected of planning to smuggle narcotics across the border via a private aircraft.