KUALA LUMPUR: A series of raids by Bukit Aman to clamp down on drug activities in Felda settlements and people’s housing projects for the hardcore poor yielded almost 750kg and 284 litres of narcotics.

       The raids, launched under Series Two of Ops Tapis Khas between Feb 23 and 25, were focused on 125 Felda settlements and 222 people’s housing project nationwide.

       Federal Narcotic Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the drugs seized were worth over RM10.33mil.

       “We detained and checked 4,579 people. A total of 3,512 men and 156 women aged between 14 and 60 were arrested for various drug offences during the raids.

       “Among those arrested, we identified 572 drug pushers, 1,850 drug addicts and 185 wanted persons,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters yesterday.

       Besides the assortment of narcotics ranging from syabu and heroin to psychotropic pills and ketum, also seized was a ganja plant and various weapons.

       Comm Ayob said among the weapons confiscated were a shotgun and 17 bullets in Selama, Perak, another shotgun, an air rifle and 18 bullets in Lawas, Sabah, and a fake pistol in Jerantut.

       “We also seized cash totalling RM159,786, RM18,846 worth of jewellery, 22 cars worth RM553,200, 52 motorcycles worth RM276,600 and a helmet worth RM700,” he said, adding that there were 317 Felda settlements nationwide.

       “The issue of drug problems at these settlements is nothing new but a holistic solution is necessary to handle it. You cannot just rely on the police in this aspect.

       “The National Anti-Drug Agency, NGOs and the community must get involved as well,” he said.