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29th July, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty-two policemen from the Kuala Lumpur police contingent were found involved in drug abuse since January this year and six of them had been expelled from the service, according to city police chief, Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman. He said the remaining 26 policemen had been suspended from work pending hearing of their respective cases.
“We do not compromise with any personnel or officers involved in drug abuse and will not hesitate to terminate their service, even if they have served the force for a long time,” he told reporters at the city police monthly assembly here yesterday.
He said many of those detained were new in the force, but there were also those who had been with the police force for 30 years. Muhammad Sabtu said it was the responsibilities of the department heads to monitor the movements and activities of their subordinates to avoid them from getting involved in drug abuse.
“When a directive that is issued is not adhered to or when there are disciplinary problems, something must be wrong, so the department heads would have to investigate whether it is because of drugs or not. It is also reminded that it is an offence for policemen to patronise entertainment centres, unless they are on duty or on the instructions of their superiors,” he added.
He advised members of the force who were involved in drug abuse to surrender themselves to the National Anti-Drug Agency for rehabilitation.
Muhammad Sabtu also advised his staff to be more health conscious and lead a healthy lifestyle. He said that since January this year, 14 of his members, who were only in their 40s, succumbed to chronic diseases, like hypertension, diabetes and heart problems.
“As members of the security force, we have to maintain our health. Otherwise, how are we going to maintain peace and order and ensure safety of the people and our families,” he added.
In another development, Muhammad Sabtu said police were looking for an Iranian, believed to be in hiding in a neighbouring country, to assist investigations into last week’s seizure of RM40 million worth of syabu oil.
“We have identified the suspect. The passport is with us. We know where the person is and will contact the authorities in the neighbouring country concerned for assistance to track down the suspect,” he added.
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