Increase in drug seizures this year - Hamzah

They involved drugs such as cannabis, methamphetamine, ecstasy pills, Erimin 5 and ketum.

"The increase reflects the ongoing efforts taken by enforcement agencies despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"One of the challenges in curbing the supply of drugs in the market is Malaysia's position near the Golden Triangle Area such as Thailand, Laos and Myanmar," he said at the National Drug Addiction Science Symposium 2020 programme here today.

Hamzah's speech text was read by his deputy Jonathan Yasin. Also present was National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA) director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifli Abdullah.

Hamzah said in 2019, there was a significant increase in drug and substance abuse, namely ketum leaves (84 per cent), ecstasy pills (85 per cent) and psychotropic pills, cocaine, ketamine and cathinone (over 100 per cent).

"The largest cocaine seizure was also recorded in 2019 at 12 tonnes and worth RM2.4 billion, believed to be in transit to other countries," he said.

He also said that social isolation due to the indirect effects of the Movement Control Order (MCO) could increase drug addiction, especially for those in the process of recovery.

According to him, a McKinsey National Consumer Survey in March found that 87 per cent of respondents who lost their source of income due to COVID-19 suffered from depression.

"I urge all NADA staff, non-governmental organisations and community members to continue to provide services and assist clients by adhering to the standard operating procedures set," he said.