Home minister says drug problem in Langkawi real, but not like Pablo Escobar’s cartel

KULIM, May 15 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has denied a news report that likened drug trafficking activities in Langkawi to the operations of an international cartel.

According to him, the magnitude of drug trafficking on the resort island cannot be likened to the drug cartel led by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar who controls the entire drug trafficking complex.

“In Langkawi, it’s not that big of a deal, but that’s okay, the media (Harian Metro) chose to say that, that’s okay, that’s their choice.

“We just know, we act on all the intelligence information we have and our spying is not just after the media reveals it, no, it’s spying all the time and when the time comes, we will take action to raid, then we do it,” he said.

He told reporters after the ceremony on Instilling Noble Values at his Community Service Centre in Taman Sejahtera, Lunas here today.

He said that the investigation into drug trafficking activities in Langkawi was carried out comprehensively by focusing on all elements including organised crimes and allegations of involvement of law enforcement officers.

Saifuddin Nasution said that the police would not protect any individuals including members who were involved in the activity and would open investigation papers according to existing laws.

Commenting on the proposal of Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor for the police to shoot drug dealer, Saifuddin Nasution said the drug issue needs to be addressed rationally.

He also explained that Kedah is among the states with the most serious drug problems, especially involving cases under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which is a repeat offence.

“So we have to sit calmly, with a cooler head, rationally and objectively. It is not as easy as saying ‘shoot’, that is to be popular, but it is not certain that it will solve the problem,” he said. — Bernama