AGONY SOON FOR 'ECSTASY' SUPPLIERS

KUALA LUMPUR: Peddlers of 'Ecstasy' pills or any amphetamine stimulants face
arrest as well as having their property confiscated.

A massive operation is on the cards to raid more than 80 entertainment
outlets suspected to be involved in the supply and trafficking of 'Ecstasy'
pills.

It is learnt that Home Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had
directed the National Narcotics Agency to co-ordinate the enforcement on
such stimulants together with the police, the Customs Department and the
Pharmaceutical Department.

The Home Ministry held a meeting between the agencies involved on April 7 on
the matter.

National Narcotics Agency director general Commissioner Datuk Salleh Mat
Som, who confirmed that his department had been directed to lead the team,
said:

"We want to rid our country of the 'Ecstasy' problem and if we have to, we
will use the powers provided for under the Special Preventive Measures to go
after those involved in such illegal activities."

He said his officers were ready to move in on outlets, such as hotels,
nightclubs and pubs, suspected to be involved in the distributing, selling
and trafficking of the drug.

Comm Salleh said the roles of all the agencies involved in the operation
were clear-cut.

He said the police must increase their operations against traffickers and
seize properties belonging to suspects involved in trafficking of the drug
as provided for under the Forfeiture of Property Act.

He also said that the Customs Department must beef up checks along borders
as the drugs, especially the 'Ecstasy' pills, came from the Philippines and
Thailand's Golden Triangle.

"As for the Pharmaceutical Department, its task is to ensure dispensaries
and clinics do not sell such pills over the counter," he added.