Dato' Seri Hsu Kuo-Cheng, Director of the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, pointed out that Malaysia is a prime choice as a transit hub for drug traffickers due to several factors, including its proximity to the Golden Triangle. He said, “Drug traffickers find the Straits of Malacca convenient for trafficking to Asian countries where black market drug prices are significantly higher.”
“We not only have modern international airports and ports, but drug cartels also find it easier to deal with Malaysians because there is no language barrier.”
He noted that the Kelantan-Thailand border serves as a major gateway for drugs entering from the Golden Triangle, with other key locations including Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.
He said that aside from drug mules, criminal syndicates often use cover methods, such as concealing drugs among other goods, to evade detection.
Appointed in March last year as the Director of Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department, Dato' Seri Hsu Kuo-Cheng led the department in dismantling three major criminal syndicates within his first three weeks in charge, seizing 365 kilograms of drugs worth RM 12 million and arresting dozens of suspects.
Six months into his tenure, and he dismantled 30 major drug trafficking syndicates nationwide, seizing RM 308 million worth of more than 50 tons of drugs. These illicit items were intercepted by the police before being distributed locally or shipped abroad.
In a recent exclusive interview, Dato' Seri Hsu Kuo-Cheng revealed that the drugs seized by authorities included marijuana, ketamine, heroin, synthetic drugs, and other illegal substances, which if released into the market, would poison 36 million addicts.
In the department's thunder operations against drug crimes, over 180,000 people were arrested for drug-related crimes, with 49,722 cases filed and a prosecution rate of 96%.
More than RM 71 million of drug traffickers' assets were confiscated, with 10% successfully forfeited by the courts.
In 2024, the department seized over 132 tons of drugs and nearly 470,000 liters of illegal substances, valued at approximately RM 705 million.
In comparison, in 2023, there were 124 tons of drugs and more than 51,000 liters of illegal substances seized, valued at RM 461 million.
Discussing the key factors in successfully dismantling drug syndicates, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding the welfare of anti-drug enforcement officers, as it enables them to effectively perform their duties. “We must provide moral, material, and logistical support to ensure smooth operations. Recognizing outstanding personnel can also boost morale and motivation. Additionally, sharing intelligence and cooperating with foreign law enforcement agencies is crucial for combating cross-border drug crimes.
Crime Experts Urge for Hsu Kuo-Cheng's Continuation
Dato' P. Sundramoorthy, a criminologist at the Policy Research Center of Universiti Sains Malaysia, stated that combating organized crime and drug trafficking remains a top priority as it is the root cause of street crimes and social issues, particularly among the youth.
He warned, “If not curbed, rampant drug trafficking and addiction could lead to social chaos and national destruction.”
Dato' P. Sundramoorthy praised Dato' Seri Hsu Kuo-Cheng's outstanding leadership and urged the government to allow Hsu Kuo-Cheng to continue leading the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department.
The crime expert believes that for narcotics, criminal, and commercial crime investigation departments, a leadership term of at least three years is necessary to effectively implement goals and strategies, as shorter terms would weaken their efforts in combating criminals.”