PETALING JAYA, March 25 — Federal police will form the Narcotic Border Security Unit, a special intelligence unit to better detect drug smuggling activities at the Malaysia-Thailand border. 

Bukit Aman narcotics department deputy director Datuk Awang Sahari E.M. Nadzeer said the unit would be a small set-up focusing on intelligence gathering on international and local drug smuggling syndicates 

“The unit will be manned by 100 officers led by an assistant commissioner. We have identified personnel who can carry out the duty,” he said. 

Awang Sahari said the paperwork for the unit was being finalised and a proposal had been submitted to the Home Ministry. 

“The unit will focus on three main areas — Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam and Rantau Panjang — and several illegal ports in Sungai Golok.

“The unit is entirely different from the Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group.”

Awang Sahari said the narcotics department was working closely with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to track down gangs that had taken control of the illicit drug trade. 

“Gang war over territory, power and control of the illegal drugs trade is a serious problem that we face. Several murders had taken place and we are working closely with a special task force from the CID to counter the problem.”

He said the smuggled drugs included ganja and methamphetamine. 

Bukit Aman internal security/public order department head Datuk Muhammad Fuad Abu Zarim said police would continue to monitor the borders nationwide and gather information to ensure there was zero threat not only in terms of drug smuggling but also human trafficking and others. 

“The Eastern Sabah Security Command has been instructed to boost surveillance. Smugglers and human traffickers operating in waters between Malaysia and southern Philippines must be wiped out.” 

Muhammad Fuad said crime police and other relevant authorities were now equipped and ready to face any potential threat. 

“In terms of logistics, we have obtained several high-powered speed boat, helicopters and upgraded our radar system.” 

He said police also constantly monitored the involvement of Malaysians in militant groups in Syria. 

He said the threat was that when these people returned to the country, they might form militant groups and enlist the younger generation.

“There are no militant groups here yet, but if left unchecked, it can be disastrous,” he said.