234 foreigners were nabbed for drug offences in 2007, followed by 313 in 2008 and 502 last year

234 foreigners were nabbed for drug offences in 2007, followed by 313 in 2008 and 502 last year.Within a two-year span, the number of such arrests had more than doubled.
City police Narcotics Department chief ACP Kang Chez Chiang said some visitors were taking advantage of the government's policy to boost tourism by bringing in drugs illegally.

"There are also foreigners who abuse their student visas to smuggle drugs," he said.

"Although this is a worrying trend, the increasing number of arrests for this offence shows police are able to curb the problem to a certain extent, with help from intelligence here and abroad."Kang said police were working closely with their counterparts in neighbouring countries.
"In order for us to keep a check on drug smuggling, there is a need to share information on suspects and new tactics by smugglers."
Of the 502 arrested last year, Indonesians led the pack with 192, followed by those from Myanmar (162), China (27), Thailand (24) and Iran (23). The remaining 74 comprised nationals from 12 other countries.Of last year's total, 47 were arrested under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drug Act which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction. This means almost one in 10 arrested had smuggled drugs in considerable quantities.Kang said high on the list of demands were synthetic drugs, such as syabu. Last year, 22.84kg of syabu with a street value of RM913,000 was seized. This is more than double the 10.35kg valued at RM414,000 seized in 2008.
Most of the foreigners arrested were men aged between 30 and 39 years.
A total of 209 men and 25 women were arrested in 2007, 281 men and 32 women in 2008 and 447 men and 55 women last year.Kang said stricter checks at entry points into the country would help deter visitors from smuggling illegal substance.

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