Despite being under control, drug abuse in Perak is at a worrying level, with increased drug-related arrests, possession and seizure.

State police chief Datuk Hasnan Hassan said a total of 6,177 people have been arrested for drug-related cases from January to September this year, an 18 per cent increase; while cases involving supply or distribution had increased by 10 per cent; drug possession by 22 per cent, as compared to same period last year.

"Seizures involving various types of drugs including syabu, ketamine, ecstacy, Yaba, Erimin 5 and cannabis, have increased up to 69 times, only heroin-type drugs decreased by 14 per cent," he told a press conference at the Perak police headquarters (IPK) here, today.

Hasnan said the total value of the drug-related seizures to date was RM10.8 million, while seized property was valued at RM5.2 million.

"Following the increase, police will continue to carry out proactive enforcement to curb the trend from worsening," he said, adding that police on Tuesday arrested two men suspected to have been involved in drug trafficking and seized 2.1 kilograms of Syabu and 2,000 Erimin 5 pills, worth RM177,000 and cash of RM5,000.

-- BERNAMA