Border to be tightened after Thais remove ketum from dangerous drugs list

 

Police say the new regulation in Thailand will see an increase in the demand for ketum leaves in Malaysia as well. (AFP pic)

KUALA NERANG: Kedah police will tighten control at the state’s border area to prevent the smuggling of ketum leaves into Thailand following its government’s action in removing the plant from its list of dangerous drugs.

State police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat said although Thailand had taken such action, the law in Malaysia remained with the sale and purchase of ketum leaves being an offence.

“We have been aware of the many syndicates involved in the smuggling of ketum leaves in the north and elsewhere. Hence, police will ensure tight control at the country’s border entry points, especially through ‘Op Benteng’.

“We will be using all available resources, including from other enforcement agencies, to prevent such smuggling activities,” he told reporters after handing out aid through “Op Bantu” to recipients in the Padang Terap district today.

Kamarul Zaman was asked to respond to the recent action by the Thai government in removing ketum leaves from its list of dangerous drugs.

Earlier, Bukit Aman narcotics criminal investigation department director Razarudin Husain was reported to have said that the demand for ketum leaves in this country was expected to increase and perhaps too, the smuggling of it following the Thai government’s action.

Meanwhile, Kamarul Zaman said individuals or groups wishing to channel aid to the victims of the massive flooding in Yan should contact the district Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB).

“This is because the roads are narrow while there are many vehicles coming and going, thus causing congestion in addition to Kedah still being in Phase One of the national recovery plan and with Yan still having some Red Zone areas.

“We don’t want the emergence of a Yan cluster. So, we are asking for their cooperation. If any group wishes to assist (the flood victims), they must go through the proper channels.

“Don’t worry as the PKOB will arrange everything from delivering the contributions to cleaning up the flood victims’ homes,” he added. - FMT