PUTRAJAYA: Drug addicts are turning to the dark web to get their hands on substances, which will be delivered right to their doorsteps, according to the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
According to the director-general, Sutekno Ahmad Belon, findings by authorities indicate that the dark web and social media platforms have become the latest go-to sources for drug supply among addicts.
Authorities noted that this method of buying drugs has become popular and the modus operandi of syndicates was front-page news in The Star on Sept 20 last year.
“Parents should be alert and curious when packages are delivered under the names of their children.
“They should find out the contents of these packages to check if these are drugs that are being ordered,” he told reporters after the Cabinet Committee to Eradicate Drugs meeting yesterday.The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The term “dark web” is used to describe a secretive network of websites that can only be accessed through a specialised web browser. It is used to keep Internet activity anonymous and private.
Sutekno said this was among the issues raised and discussed at the meeting, where it was informed that once the order and payment were made, it would be sent to the buyer’s house via courier or delivery service.
Sutekno: Parents should be alert and curious when packages are delivered under the names of their children. — Bernama
He also said relevant authorities were looking at ways in which laws could be used to stop courier service companies and other delivery agents from sending packages that contained drugs.
“This is among the suggestions that came up at the meeting. We want to look at improving efficiency to stop drug abuse,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising number of drug addicts. In response, he instructed the Home Ministry and the National Anti-Drugs Agency to explore innovative and efficient methods to combat drug abuse.
Ahmad Zahid said the two bodies were given three months to draw up new initiatives and also put in place better rehabilitation measures for existing drug abusers.
He pointed to the figures of addicts, numbering 1,097,408, which he described as “worrying”.According to records, there are 1,051,712 male addicts and 45,696 female substance abusers.
“What is more disheartening is that of the total figure, 328,640 are addicts aged between 15 and 29.
“These are young people who the nation depends on to helm the country in the future,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Zahid said the meeting also agreed to ensure laws are strengthened to prevent drug abuse at all levels.
“The efficacy of law enforcement on drugs will be looked into in detail for complete action against abuse,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister cited a study by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2020, which indicated that for every 100 youths, six admitted to having tried drugs.
