AI and canines outwit drug traffickers

KUCHING: Sarawak intensifies efforts to combat drug smuggling with the deployment of 20 Drug Detection Dogs (APD) and the installation of 66 new scanning machines at all international entry points.
“The recent Addressing Drug and Substance Issues (MIDS) report identified air routes and courier services as key channels for drug entry into Sarawak,” said Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah in a statement.
“The Sarawak Government, through the One Stop Committee (OSC) MIDS, welcomes the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM)’s proactive measures to safeguard our borders.”
Fatimah highlighted that the state government has provided a RM3 million grant to JKDM Sarawak, enabling the acquisition of four AI-based scanning machines, three APDs, two APD vehicles, and the construction of an APD housing facility.
Since 2018, the state has allocated RM10.75 million to support various anti-drug initiatives, including integrated enforcement operations, prevention measures, community-based rehabilitation, awareness programmes, and strengthening OSC MIDS at the district level.
An additional RM5.38 million was used to procure tactical equipment for JKDM, the Sarawak Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, the Sarawak State Health Department, and the Sarawak National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
Between 2018 and October 2024, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and JKDM seized drugs worth RM255 million in Sarawak, with assets worth RM29 million belonging to drug traffickers confiscated.
A total of 4,349 drug traffickers were arrested, alongside 69,202 arrests related to drug and substance abuse offenses, with 73.56 per cent involving drug use and addiction.
Fatimah urged the public to report drug-related activities through the JSJN Hotline (012-208 7222), the AADK Hotline (019-626 2233), and the JKDM toll-free line (1-800-88-8855).