DRUG PUSHERS AND ADDICTS IN THE JALAN KOLAM AYER QUARTERS AREA (Particulars)

Mr Ivan Baptist asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education (a) what surveillance work is being done in the Jalan Kolam Ayer Quarters area which is troubled by drug pushers and addicts especially late at nights; and (b) how many drug pushers and addicts have been arrested in this area during the last 14 months.

The Minister for Home Affairs and Education (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Central Narcotics Bureau and the Police are generally aware of the areas where drug pushing and drug abuse activities take place. Surveillance is carried out in these areas and when sufficient evidence has been gathered, enforcement action is taken against those involved. In addition, Divisional Police also carry out routine patrols in these areas. The Jalan Kolam Ayer Quarters area is one of them. However, for obvious reasons, I cannot disclose what sort of surveillance work is being carried out.

During the past 14 months, 130 persons were arrested in the Jalan Kolam Ayer Quarters area on suspicion of having committed various drug offences. Of these, five were drug traffickers. Two of the traffickers were prosecuted and the other three were dealt with under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act. Sixteen persons were also prosecuted for other drug offences. Fifty-eight addicts were sent for compulsory treatment and rehabilitation at the Drug Rehabilitation Centres. The rest were released after investigation.