Kelantan Faces Ongoing Cross-Border Drug Threats, Says Deputy MB

The Kelantan state government is taking a firm stand against drug-related crimes, particularly given its unique challenges as a border state that shares an extensive land boundary with a neighbouring country.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said drug abuse remains a serious concern, especially as it threatens the future of the younger generation. He stressed that enforcement agencies must maintain consistent and coordinated action to curb the problem effectively.

“The recent large-scale arrests and multimillion-ringgit drug seizures by police across Kelantan are clear proof that enforcement operations are actively and effectively being carried out,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page today.

“Congratulations to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for these significant accomplishments. There is no longer a need for negative assumptions about Kelantan, as what matters most is firm action and measurable outcomes.”

Dr Fadzli highlighted that Kelantan’s position — with a long land border, numerous illegal routes (‘rat lanes’), and international syndicates operating in the region — makes drug enforcement efforts more complex. He called for a holistic, inter-agency strategy to address these persistent threats.

He also noted that the state is actively working to combat the issue, including through the Kelantan chapter of the Malaysian Drug Prevention Association (PEMADAM), led by State Youth, Sports, NGO, and Community Unity Committee chairman Zamakhshari Muhamad.

PEMADAM Kelantan collaborates closely with various federal and state agencies including the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), PDRM, National Registration Department (JPN), and the Kelantan Islamic Foundation (YIK) to strengthen prevention and education efforts, reaching even schools and local communities.

“The state government remains steadfast and principled in its support of all anti-drug initiatives. With strong collaboration between federal and state agencies, we believe Kelantan can become a model drug-free state despite the obstacles we face,” Dr Fadzli said.

Last Friday, police successfully dismantled a syndicate that used cashew nut packaging to conceal narcotics, arresting a local married couple and seizing drugs valued at RM3.1 million.

Earlier on 3 July, another major bust in Pasir Mas and Tumpat led to the seizure of 35.4 kilograms of methamphetamine pills (‘pil kuda’), estimated to be worth RM5.04 million, in six coordinated raids.