Call to conduct study on ‘killer’ party drugs

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KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Crime Prevention Council (MCPC) has called on the authorities to conduct a study on the recent revelations of ‘new party drugs’ which are believed to have killed six young revellers at the Future Music Festival Asia Concert in Kuala Lumpur.

Its executive council member, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the authorities should come out with a categorical statement so that the public will fully understand the latest position regarding the nature of the latest designer drugs and what needs to be done to grapple with the problem.

Lee said recently a private medical practioner who runs 10 clinics specializing in drug abuse treatment, pointed out that the six deaths were not due to drug overdose as widely reported. It is more likely caused by ‘mephedrone’, a party drug used recently in the west which has reached Malaysian shores and is being freely marketed online.

He said even the National Anti-Drug Agency stated that many deadly ‘imported’ designer drugs had found their way into the global markets and Malaysia is not spared.

According to news report, an on-line search found ‘mephedrone’ is now available in the Malaysian market and is being actively promoted via social-media.

It was also learnt that both mephedrone and Eramin-5 have overtaken ecstasy as the two most popular drugs at rave parties as these have a stronger effect.

Mephedrone is still legal in Malaysia and has not been gazetted under the Dangerous Drugs Act despite the number of fatalities reported overseas.

“If the statistics released by the police are anything to go by, it appears that the spectre of a death sentence has not deterred people from getting involved in the drug trade.

“All incoming flights carry the message that Malaysia has stringent anti-drug laws which carry the death penalty for drug trafficking, if proven guilty but this has not deterred,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lee added since the eighties when Malaysia launched the fight against drugs as the number one enemy, it had not been able to address the drug problem effectively.

“What is noteworthy and deserves commendation is the setting up of the police elite squad to crack down on drug syndicates which has undertaken several successful ‘sting’ operations.

“Dealing with the massive drug problem is a monumental task ahead. To be effective in dealing with the problem, we not only need to strengthen law enforcement but also to galvanise the entire community to stand up,” he pointed out.

“The government has spent hundreds of millions of ringgit to tackle the drug menace in the country but the problem is far from being eradicated. Victory is still nowhere in sight. Statistics on drug users in the country a matter of serious concern,” he said.

“Clearly, no one party alone can help to overcome the drug menace. The government, non-governmental organisations, voluntary bodies and religious organisations need to work to help curb the drug problem,” he stressed.

“It is time for all organizations and associations as well as the entire Malaysian community to work closely with the government with one mind to combat the drug menace to save our younger generation from the scourge of drugs. To all our youths who are the biggest asset in the country. I wish to advise them to keep away from drugs not only for their own well-being but also for the sake of the country and its future.

“As the key to the fight against drugs lies in prevention, an effective and sustained prevention strategy is needed to involve the home, society and workplace to help eradicate the problem.

“The active role of teachers, parents and the community in the campaign to battle drug abuse is also vital and must be intensified if the nation wants to ensure that drug addiction among teenagers and the youths. including students, does not become more prevalent,” he said.