In an unprecedented incident, Perak police have uncovered a daring attempt to smuggle drugs into Tapah Prison using a drone. The discovery marks the first known instance of such a sophisticated modus operandi in the state, raising concerns about the evolving tactics of drug traffickers.
According to TheStar, the incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9, when a prison warden noticed a suspicious object on the rooftop of one of the prison blocks during a routine patrol. Upon closer inspection, the warden and his team found a white drone with a laundry bag attached to it. Inside the bag, they discovered a translucent package containing three packets of white powder, believed to be heroin, weighing 122 grams. Additionally, two packets containing crystal-like chunks suspected to be methamphetamine, weighing 12.9 grams, were also found.
Perak Police Chief Commissioner Datuk Azizi Mat Aris confirmed the details in a statement issued on Saturday, August 10. "This is the first case of its kind that we have encountered where a drone was used to smuggle drugs into a prison. The police are taking this matter very seriously and will conduct thorough investigations into the drug trafficking activities involved, especially those targeting prisons," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act, which carries severe penalties for drug trafficking, including the death penalty. Additionally, the case is also being probed under Section 39A(1) of the same Act, which deals with drug possession offenses.
The discovery has raised alarms about the potential for drones to be used as a tool for illicit activities, particularly in secure locations like prisons. Authorities are now on high alert and are expected to enhance surveillance and security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The use of drones in criminal activities is not entirely new, but this case highlights the increasing ingenuity of drug traffickers. As technology advances, law enforcement agencies will need to stay ahead of these evolving threats to ensure public safety and security.
Investigations are ongoing, and the police are determined to track down those responsible for orchestrating this audacious smuggling attempt. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking and the need for constant vigilance and innovation in combating this scourge.
Source: TheStar
