GOVT STEPS UP COVERT OPS TO CUT DRUG USE IN NIGHTSPOTS

Kuala Lumpur - The Government will step up undercover operations in all
nightspots as one way to stem the use of drugs such as syabu and
amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in these places. Deputy Home
Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin said these two types of drugs were
the "most popular" among teenagers and patrons frequenting nightclubs
and karaoke lounges.

"These drugs are more popular because their effects have more 'kick'
than those used before, although they are more expensive.

"For instance, a 0.06gm ATS pill can cost up to RM100 if it is
imported and RM40 for a fake pill manufactured locally, while it is
RM400 for every 100gm of syabu.

"So, evidently the ones using these types of drugs are those with
money, especially those aged 18 years and above," he said after a
briefing for MPs and senators on the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special
Preventive Measures) at Parliament House here yesterday.

Zainal was commenting on a raid by police on a nightspot in Jalan Loke
Yew on Sunday which revealed that 50% of the patrons were tested
positive for drugs.

The raid was part of the nationwide war to check the use of these
synthetic drugs, following a directive from Home Minister Datuk Seri
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to the National Narcotics Agency.

Zainal said the police had seized 47,232 amphetamine-type stimulant
pills last year alone, and that it had also recently stopped an
attempt to smuggle in 11kg of syabu in Sabah.

"We will increase the number of undercover police in nightspots and
trace the supply routes taken by drug traffickers to stop these pills
from reaching our youth," he said.

Zainal said the first case of such stimulant use in the country was
documented in 1996 and that it was a comparatively easy drug to
smuggle and traffick in.