The Narcotics Control Bureau arrested 389 drug offenders from January till 20th December last year. It was the lowest figure during the five-year period (2001-2005). However, during the same period, 307 have been convicted, the highest since 2001. In terms of drug seizures, Syabu still topped the figures with 556.4119 grammes, the second highest during the five year period followed by Cannabis with 126.1328 grammes. However, the amount of Cannabis seized last year was the second lowest since 2001. NCB statistics revealed that no heroin, morphine, syabu (yaba) pill and MDMA/ecstasy pill and cough mixture were seized during that period, just like the previous year. In 2001, some 660.7838 grammes were seized, 248.2996 (2002), 134.8385 (2003) and 464.0095 (2004).

Source: Borneo Bulletin/5 January 2006/

http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/thu/jan5h5.htm

China

China Steps Up Crackdown On Cross-Border Smugglings

The Chinese government says it plans to step up its joint international efforts in cracking down illegal smuggling and drugs in its border regions. Security authorities made the announcement Wednesday at a national meeting concerning anti-drug and anti-smuggling measures in the coastal city of Xiamen. Public security authorities plan to take more joint actions with regional countries like Myanmar, Laos and Thailand in the fight against across-the-border drug and stowaway crimes, and networks shall be established and improved to better curb robbery on the sea.

Source: China View/4 January 2006/

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/04/content_4007959.htm

Ketamine Seized

Hong Kong police seized a record 151 kilograms of ketamine and arrested two men. The drugs, worth about HK$37 million (US$4.78 million), were seized on Tuesday after police arrested a man with a 28-gram sample of ketamine close to his drug store. A search of the man's premise found 151 kilograms of ketamine in plastic bags, an electronic scale, a vacuum-packing machine and empty tinfoil packages. Another man in the drug store was also arrested.

Source: Eastday/5 January 2006/ http://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/nation/userobject1ai1769333.html

Stranger Who Cared Jailed For Drug Death

They met as strangers one tragic night in 2004. When it was over, a British man was dead and a middle-aged Hong Kong drug addict was in jail. Kwok Tze-on, 50, told the High Court Friday that he accidentally helped Justin Clark, 34, end his life by assisting him to shoot heroin. Clark was suicidal, his wife had said, and she asked Kwok to look after him. He thought he was doing that.Deputy High Court Judge Esther Toh, calling it a "sad and tragic case," sentenced Kwok to 18 months for his role in the death. However, he is likely to be set free in the next few days since he has already spent 15 months in custody. The judge believed there was no malice in his act. Clark married Hong Kong resident Cheung Siu-wan in 2000 and worked as a renovation worker while living on Lamma Island. At the time they met, Kwok was unemployed and had been a heroin addict since 1978 with many previous drug convictions. Around 7pm on August 3, 2004, as Clark was finishing drinks with friends and Kwok was leaving the Methadone Center on Hennessy Road, the two met. "We have in the deceased, a young man who obviously had fallen into hard times after coming to Hong Kong," said Kwok's counsel, Kumar Ramanathan. He pointed out that Clark was in possession of the heroin when the two made their way to a public toilet near Kennedy Road. (continued)

Source: The Standard/Albert Wong/7 January 2006/ http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=9327&sid=6158228&con_type=1

About 160 kg of Heroin Seized in SW China Province

Police in China's southwestern province of Yunnan have seized three suspected drug traffickers and confiscated 162.2 kilograms of liquid heroin, local police source said on Monday. After two months of probe, Yunnan anti-drug police force captured two suspects on Dec. 25 and found 162.2 kg of liquid heroin in their truck's gasoline tank. The third suspect was arrested on Jan. 1 in the city of Lincang bordering Myanmar. The haul is the first big case this year in Yunnan, a major route for drugs smuggled out of southeast Asia's drug-flooded "Golden Triangle" region of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Local police said they cracked down another key drug smuggling case last November, capturing two suspects and 110 kg of methamphetamine ice.

Source: CRI Online/10 January 2006/

http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/2238/2006-1-10/65@292410.htm

Drug Smugglers Include China In New Routes

China has become the latest detour in the circuitous route used to smuggle heroin from Afghanistan to African countries, security sources have told the Pakistani daily. The drug smugglers of Afghanistan and their associates in tribal areas bordering Pakistan have adopted a new route to move heroin to African countries by travelling to Pakistan, Dubai and then China, according to officials. The new route was disclosed by two alleged drug smugglers who were arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) at Peshawar airport about two weeks ago, the sources said. Masheen Khan, from Khyber Agency, and Ejaz, a resident of Mardan district, were allegedly carrying heroin capsules in their bodies and wanted to fly to Dubai and then onward to China. The two men told ANF interrogators that they had been assigned the task of carrying the heroin to China but they had no idea which African country they were supposed to proceed to. Masheen Khan and Ejaz, both unemployed and belonging to poor families, were hired by two tribal drug smugglers, who had links with the international mafia, to smuggle heroin to China, a spokesman for the ANF said. They were carrying 171 capsules, weighing over one kilogram of heroin in their rectum, the ANF official said. The spokesman said the local couriers had probably set a new trend in Pakistan because previously only African smugglers were known for carrying capsules in their body. (continued)

Source: AND Kronos International/9 January 2006/ http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Security&loid=8.0.247234666&par=0

About 160 kg Of Heroin Seized In SW China Province

Source: Xinhua/10 January 2006/ http://english.people.com.cn/200601/10/eng20060110_234080.html

Indonesia

Bali Nine's Stephens Tells Of Police Deal

ALLEGED Bali nine drug mule Martin Stephens has told an Indonesian court Australian Federal Police promised to protect his family so he could testify against his co-accused. Testifying at the trial of three men accused of helping to organise the attempt to smuggle 8.3kg of heroin from Bali to Australia, Stephens claimed he was too scared to disobey orders or report the matter to police because his family's lives were threatened. When Chief Judge Istiningsih Rahayu observed that nothing had happened to any member of his family despite him testifying on several occasions, the Wollongong man responded: "Only because we asked the AFP for protection before we started talking. "My mum's under police protection in Australia," 29-year-old Stephens told the court. His mother, Michelle Stephens, was in court to hear his evidence. Stephens's lawyer Wirawan Adnan later said his client was extremely worried about a violent reprisal if he told his story. "But the Australian police said to his parents, 'Don't worry, nothing will happen to you, we will protect you'," Mr Adnan said. Later, testifying at Stephens's own trial, co-accused mule, Brisbane man Michael Czugaj, 20, told how Australian police may have been present when they were arrested. "I don't know about the AFP but I saw some Australians in the room," Czugaj told Denpasar District Court. "They made a phone call and said, 'We've got them'." (continued0

Source: The Advertiser/Marion Carroll/5 January 2006/ http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17729738%255E401,00.html

Drug Smuggler Suspect Mum On Photos

AN alleged cannabis smuggler photographed with Schapelle Corby has refused to clear her name or explain how and when photographs of the two were taken. Malcolm Christopher McCauley, 60, appeared in Adelaide's Elizabeth Magistrates Court yesterday following a raid in which police seized 15kg of cannabis, almost $60,000 and photographs of him with Corby. Mr McCauley's lawyer, Robert Harrap, told The Australian his client would not attempt to clear Corby's name or comment about the photos because it was "not in his best interests". "These photos were seized in relation to the matter he's facing in court," Mr Harrap said. "Ms Corby's trials and tribulations are a separate matter." Mr Harrap said that while Mr McCauley could prove where the photos were taken, he would not speak publicly about them. "That may well frustrate other people, particularly members of the Corby family, but I'm not acting for them. I'm acting for Mr McCauley." Corby's mother, Rosleigh Rose, said she was given copies of the photographs last month and that they were taken in Bali after her daughter's arrest. She said Mr McCauley was one of two tourists photographed with Corby in Bali. She said they had approached her and asked to visit her daughter in jail in April or May. Ms Rose said it was up to Mr McCauley to come forward and that she would not pressure him. (continued)

Source: Sunday Times/Verity Edwards/5 January 2006/ http://www.sundaytimes.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,17731390%255E421,00.html

'Bambang Yudhistira': On The Air With An Antidrug Message

One night in early July last year, Bambang Edi Purnomo and more than a dozen members of the Lampung drug squad prepared to raid a nearby marijuana plantation. After short rest at the semi-dark police station in Padangratu, Central Lampung, which did not yet have mains power, Bambang and the policemen trekked along a seven-kilometer path shrouded in mist. The detectives discovered a 1.5-hectare cannabis field and captured its owner. But Bambang is neither a policeman nor an intelligence officer. The proprietor of Radio Yudhistira 103.5 FM in Bandarlampung, he participated in the raid not as a broadcaster but as a leading advocate for Lampung's antidrug movement (Granat). In narcotics and drug circles in Lampung, "Bambang Yudhistira", as he is nicknamed, is one of the province's most feared and respected figures, due to his stern and uncompromising attitude toward drug financiers and traffickers. Bambang has frequently visited drug bosses in police custody to warn them against repeating their offenses when free. "Otherwise you'll be the ones we chase," he tells them. In the 1980s, Bambang worked for Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI), serving as a reporter, broadcaster and editor of the national TV station from 1980 to 1987. He earlier cut his teeth in broadcasting at Radio Ramako and Radio Irama Indah in Jakarta from 1968 to 1980. With his experience and Rp 400 million in funds, Bambang moved to Lampung in 1989 to set up Radio Yudistira 103.5 FM. (continued)

Source: The Jakarta Post/Oyos Saroso/4 January 2006/ http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailfeatures.asp?fileid=20060104.S04&irec=3

I Was Bashed In Jail, Says Bali 9 Suspect

AN accused Bali nine drug mule admitted yesterday he told Indonesian police he would be paid $5000 if he got a package of heroin back to Australia. But 20-year-old Michael Czugaj said his statement to police had been misinterpreted. The alleged leaders of the smuggling ring had never actually promised anything, he told an Indonesian court. Mr Czugaj also claimed he had been assaulted while awaiting trial in Bali's Kerobokan prison. The identity of the person who hit him was not revealed and the court heard no further details of the incident. Mr Czugaj, his friend Scott Rush, also 20, and seven co-accused are being held in the overcrowded prison as they face separate trials on charges of conspiring to export 8.3kg of heroin to Australia. Mr Czugaj and Mr Rush claim they were holidaying on the island and were victims of a drug smuggling gang. They say the gang paid for their trip, but they were not told they would be expected to take packages back into Australia until the night of their planned departure. They claim the lives of their families were threatened if they refused to take part in the smuggling operation. Mr Rush's lawyers showed the court photos of the pair taken in the week before their arrest last April, appearing carefree and happy as they surfed, trekked and visited a monkey forest. (continued)

Source: News.com/Marian Carroll/6 January 2006/ http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17740697-401,00.html

Jokes Help Bali Niner Stay Sane In Jail

HE is fighting for his life but Brisbane man Scott Rush has so adapted to life in Bali's Kerobokan Jail he has found a girlfriend and can crack jokes with the men who could send him to a firing squad. Rush, 19, the youngest of the nine Australians facing charges of trying to smuggle heroin from Indonesia to Australia, is learning Indonesian to help him through his trials. As their court hearings continue, all the members of the so-called Bali Nine have begun to build a life as best they can. Rush's former schoolmate Michael Czugaj, 20, was on the stand again yesterday, claiming to have been assaulted inside the prison. But even as the accused testify – sometimes against each other – they have also formed a strange kind of mutual support network. Bear-like prosecutor Olopan Nainggolan is these days almost a friend. Mr Nainggolan trades backslaps and wisecracks with the Nine and jokes with judges about heroin dust scattered on the bench. This week he prompted laughter as he strolled across to the witness chair to adjust Czugaj's upturned collar. At times even the judges appear to have warmed to the group. Czugaj's chief judge Putu Widnya smiled when the five Australians not found with heroin strapped on their bodies refused to testify – a tactic aimed at isolating the mules for the heaviest punishment. (continued)

Source: Courier Mail/Rob Taylor/6 January 2006/ http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17741195%255E953,00.html

Bali Nine Deaths Would 'Strain Ties'

INDONESIA is braced for a public backlash in Australia against any death sentences meted out to the Bali Nine, says Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda. Prosecutors in Denpasar will start making sentence demands in the next fortnight for the nine Australians, who were arrested in April last year over a failed bid to smuggle 8kg of heroin worth $4 million from Bali to Sydney. Most trial watchers expect them to demand death sentences for some or all of the group, possibly straining relations with Australia. The requests to judges in Denpasar District Court will be delivered less than two months after a public outcry in Australia over Singapore's decision to hang Australian drug courier Nguyen Tuong Van. Mr Wirayuda, speaking after his annual foreign policy statement, said he was aware of the backlash in Australia to Van's hanging, including Attorney-General Philip Ruddock's description of the execution as "barbaric". "We anticipate in terms of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia that the sentence that might be delivered by our courts might create an emotional reaction on the part of the Australian public," Mr Wirayuda said. But he said any fallout from death sentences would be likely to pass quickly. "Like the case of the Australian citizen in Singapore, I think after a while there will be a good understanding, because it is not only that the death penalty is imposed to Australians, but also to other traffickers, both foreign and domestic," he said. (continued)

Source: The Australian/7 January 2006/ http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17750508%255E2702,00.html

Bali Nine Trial Resumes

THE trial of one of the alleged Bali Nine leaders, Myuran Sukumaran, resumes today in an Indonesian court. The 24-year-old Sydney man, who allegedly acted as an enforcer for accused mastermind Andrew Chan, has arrived at Bali's Denpasar District Court for today's proceedings. Fellow Bali Nine accused Matthew Norman, 19, also of Sydney, is also at the court and is expected to testify against Mr Sukumaran today. But the trial of an alleged drug mule, Newcastle woman Renae Lawrence, has been delayed after she failed to show up at court due to illness. The Bali Nine are accused of trying to smuggle more than 8kg of heroin into Australia from Bali on April 17 last year. They face a possible death sentence if convicted.

Source: News.com/6 January 2006/

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17744412-29277,00.html

Court Has Laugh At Amnesia

An Indonesian court erupted in laughter yesterday after alleged Bali Nine kingpin Myuran Sukumaran blamed amnesia for poor memory on events leading to his arrest. Chief judge I Gusti Lanang Dauh appeared frustrated but humoured by the Sydney martial arts experts failure to remember how often he met other members of the group, where they met and who owned heroin seized at the time of his arrest. Leaning out of his seat and across the judges bench to eyeball Mr Sukumaran after a string of “I dont know” responses, Judge Dauh demanded whether he had amnesia. “Oh, amnesia,” Mr Sukumaran said, “Yes, I had one not so long ago, more than eight months ago”. Judge Dauh quipped: “No wonder youre so forgetful”. Mr Sukumaran, 24, was arrested last April in a Kuta hotel room, where police also seized luggage containing 300g of heroin and strapping materials. Three others, arrested in the same room, Matthew Norman, 19, Si Yi Chen, 20, and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, 23, are facing a separate trial. Five others facing separate trials were arrested at Bali airport, including four alleged mules carrying a total of 8.3kg of heroin strapped to their bodies, and alleged godfather Andrew Chan, 21, who had no drugs on him. Testifying as prosecution witnesses, the mules have claimed Mr Sukumaran and Mr Chan strapped the drugs to their bodies and threatened them and their families with death if they refused to do as they were told. (continued)

Source: Border Mail/7 January 2006/ http://www.bordermail.com.au/newsflow/pageitem?page_id=1116228

Leslie Trial Judges Cleared Of Bribe Claims

The Judicial Commission has found no evidence to support allegations that three judges were bribed to give a lenient sentence to Australian model Michelle Leslie for use of ecstasy. Leslie was arrested in August 2005 after police found two ecstasy pills in her handbag as she was about to enter a dance party in Bali. State prosecutors initially charged her with possession and demanded the maximum jail term of 15 years. They later reduced the charge to use and dropped the sentence demand to just three months. Bali’s Denpasar District Court in November complied, handing down the minimum sentence, which meant Leslie walked free the following day as she had already spent three months behind bars. Controversy arose over claims that Leslie had been with a son of Central Jakarta District chief I Made Karna and a son of Coordinating Minister for the Economy Aburizal Bakrie on the night of her arrest. There were also strong allegations that Leslie’s defense team had paid from A$130,000 to A$400,000 to prosecutors and the three judges to ensure the underwear model would not receive the maximum jail sentence. Leslie’s lawyers have strongly denied the allegations. The three judges - I Made Sudia, I Gusti Ngurah Astawa and Edi Parulian Siregar – were first due to be questioned by the Judicial Commission on December 19, but they failed to show up, claiming they did not have funds to make the trip from Bali to Jakarta. (continued)

Source: Laksamana/Roy Tupai/6 January 2006/ http://www.laksamana.net/news_read.php?gid=125

Accused Bali Nine Mule Admits Her 'Guilt'

ACCUSED Bali nine drug mule Renae Lawrence has admitted trying to smuggle heroin to Australia, but denied she had done so on previous visits to the Indonesian island. "I'm guilty of carrying this stuff to Australia, but I'm not guilty of owning, selling or anything else because Andrew Chan owns it, not me," Ms Lawrence told Denpasar District Court yesterday. The 28-year-old Newcastle woman, the only female among the nine, was one of four accused mules caught at Bali airport trying to board a flight to Sydney with packages of heroin strapped to their bodies. Mr Chan, accused by Indonesian police of being one of the drug ring's bosses, was also arrested at the airport but did not have drugs on him. All four mules have claimed Mr Chan and another Sydney man, Myuran Sukumaran, strapped the drugs to their bodies and threatened them and their families if they tried to back out of the smuggling operation. The nine Australians are facing seven separate trials of conspiring to export 8.3kg of heroin out of Indonesia. In a statement to the court, Ms Lawrence admitted knowing Mr Chan wanted her to take drugs back to Australia but said she did not know it was heroin. She said she was nervous when checking-in at Bali airport and wanted to take off the packages, but was too scared of Mr Chan's threats. Ms Lawrence said two previous trips were self-funded holidays. (continued)

Source: News.com/10 January 2006/

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17773893-2,00.html

Navy Foils Ecstasy Smuggling Attempt in Malacca Strait

An Indonesian Navy patrol team has nabbed two ecstasy smugglers on Takong waters in the Malacca Strait, according to a spokesman of the Indonesian Navy, First Admiral Abdul M. Yusuf. "The two smugglers, identified as FH and Z, are currently being detained at the Batam Naval Base," Abdul Yusuf said here Monday. "Last Sunday our patrol personnel spotted a speedboat passing the naval patrol boat. Out of suspicion, the patrol boat chased them and forced them to stop," he said. When checking the objects in the suspect vessel, the naval personnel found 495 pills of ecstasy, he said. The two Indonesian smugglers claimed they were just couriers of the illegal drugs belonging to two Malaysians bearing the initials of C and Y. The Navy also received a tip-off that an Indonesian with initial F was waiting to collect the ecstasy in certain hotel in Batam Batam naval base`s personnel were immediately sent to the hotel and succeeded in arresting F. The success of the navy`s actions was thanks to the close cooperation and coordination between the naval personnel and other related institutions, he said.

Source: Antara/9 January 2006/

http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=8157

Police Lost In A Haze Over Marijuana Plantation

As the country steps up the fight against illegal drugs, hundreds hectares of marijuana are allegedly being grown in North Sumatra province by a drug syndicate and the police appear to be unable or unwilling to take action. This was stated by North Sumatra councillors Ahmad Hosen Hutagalung and Mahmudin Lubis recently. They added that the marijuana plantation was in a mountainous area of Mandailing Natal regency. The councillors said the plantation had been operating for some time but the police had not done nothing about it. Councillor Ahmad Hosen Hutagalung said the plantation was the biggest in the province and that it covered hundreds of hectares. "The existence of a major marijuana plantation in Mandailing Natal regency is an open secret. Even the police know about. But, surprisingly, no action has been taken against it," he said, adding that the councillors learned of the plantation while visiting the regency recently. He said that based on reports from local people and officials, including the Mandailing Natal Police chief, the plantation was tightly guarded by armed guards and could not be reached by land. Councillor Mahmudin said the marijuana was being grown by the syndicate in the Bukit Barisan mountain range. He said that besides the armed guards, the area was also patrolled by a helicopter. (continued)

Source: Jakarta Post/Apriadi Gunawan/9 January 2006/ http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailnational.asp?fileid=20060109.D07&irec=6

Suspected Drug Dealer Gunned Down

A suspected member of an international drug syndicate, identified as Sulaiman, 29, alias Kelik, was shot dead on Saturday while trying to run away from a police escort in Citayam, Depok, West Java. City police drug squad chief Sr. Comr. Carlo Brix Tewu confirmed that Sulaiman, a resident of Menteng Jaya in Central Jakarta, died at 6:25 a.m. on Saturday, and his body had been sent to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta. "We had to shoot him after he tried to run away on our way to see his supplier in Citayam. We fired warning shots, which he ignored," Carlo told The Jakarta Post on Sunday. Sulaiman was picked up by 10 police officers at 3:30 a.m. after they found 40 grams of heroin in his home. On their way to his supplier's home, Sulaiman asked the police to stop for a nature call. He tried to run away.

Source: Jakarta Post/10 January 2006/ http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailcity.asp?fileid=20060109.G07&irec=6

Malaysia

Comedian To Be Charged With Dadah Offence

A former member of a local television comedy group and two others, who tested positive for methamphetamine on Monday, are expected to be charged with consuming dadah at the Ampang magistrates’ court here today. They are expected to be charged under Section 15 (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a maximum of two years jail or RM5,000 fine or both, upon conviction. The comedian, in his late 20s, was arrested at a flat in Taman Keramat by the Ampang anti-narcotics police about 2pm on Monday. He was picked up with his two friends, aged 21 and 37. Police raided the unit upon receiving a tip-off from the public. The suspects were later brought to the Ampang police headquarters, where they tested positive for methamphetamine, popularly known as syabu.

Source: Malay Mail/ADIE SURI ZULKEFLLI/5 January 2006/ http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Thursday/National/20060105114312/Article/index_html

Man Detained With Syabu After Passing X-Ray Inspection

At KLIA A man attempting to smuggle 942 grammes of pure syabu worth RM350,000 into the country got past the X-Ray machines at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) but was later arrested by alert Customs officers Thursday. Putrajaya Customs (Prevention) director, Mohamed Adnan Ariffin said the man succeeded in `tricking' the security X-Ray machine at the arrival hall of the airport from detecting the drugs hidden in his wardrobe luggage, but its personnel on duty who were suspicious of his behaviour stopped him for a thorough inspection. "The man, an alleged pimp in his 30s and who hails from Kuala Lumpur, had earlier arrived on a flight from Macau at 12.10 am," Adnan told reporters at his office here Thursday. According to him, further inspection revealed the syabu in crystal form was filled into two tea bags, wrapped in aluminium foil and hidden in the clothing bag which was modified to make it difficult to be traced through the X-ray machine. He said the pure syabu, when re-processed by adding other ingredients, could be worth four times more than the original price. Adnan said that this case was the first success of their narcotics division this year and was the result of meticulous observation on passengers at the entry gates into the country, especially at airports and border points usually used by drug smugglers. (continued)

Source: Bernama/5 January 2006/ http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=174070

Ex-Scenario Star In The Dock Again

It was no laughing matter for Yassin Yahya. The former comedian in the TV3 sitcom, Senario, was again hauled to the magistrate’s court yesterday. Standing in the dock, the 28-year-old looked exhausted as he found himself facing another drug charge. This time, Yassin was charged with taking methamphetamine (syabu) at No 20, Block H, PKNS Flat, Taman Keramat, Ampang, at 2pm last Monday. He claimed trial. Magistrate Mohamed Kamil Nizam granted him bail of RM2,500 in one surety and fixed March 9 for mention. Yesterday, Yassin, from Sentul Pasar, was charged with two friends, Azhar Ahmad, 27, and Azmir Alias, 21. Azhar, a trader, and Azmir, a labourer, pleaded guilty to taking amphetamine and methamphetamine, respectively, at the same place and time. Both Azhar and Azmir were granted bail of RM2,000 in one surety, pending sentence on March 9. On Oct 27 last year, Yassin was acquitted and discharged by the Kuala Lumpur magistrate’s court for possessing two straw tubes containing 0.05gm of syabu at Indah Damansara Condominium, Jalan Damansara Indah, on Dec 21, 2001.

Source: Malay Mail/RITA JONG/6 January 2006/ http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Friday/National/20060106111421/Article/index_html

Battling Addiction

A practitioner in addiction therapy shares with SHARMILLA GANESAN why a passion for the job is vital for someone who wants to pursue this field. COUNSELLING is a very important component in the treatment of substance addiction, and we simply cannot make light of it,” says addiction therapist Chris Sekar, 52, who practises at Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre Kuala Lumpur. Sekar knows what he is talking about because he is a recovered heroin addict himself. Although he has been clean for more than 25 years, he well remembers the difference that therapy and counselling made in helping him kick the addiction. Sekar has over 20 years of experience in the field of addiction recovery – he has worked at a street-based drop-in centre in Chow Kit, a residential treatment centre, and an after-care home, as well as helped out in teaching and training at drug treatment and HIV/AIDS centres. SEKAR: Counselling is a very important component of helping someone treat their substance addiction. Working under the Intensive Outpatient Programme (IOP), specially designed for people with addiction problems who cannot go into residential care, Sekar has found himself working with professionals and college students. “Being a former addict has been an advantage in helping me navigate the terrain of addiction therapy. However, I also had to work hard initially to get the necessary distance between myself and the people I work with,” says Sekar. (continued)

Source: The Star/8 January 2006/ http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2006/1/8/education/13029084

Two Held For Possession Of Ketum Leaves

Two friends from Besut, Terengganu, will have to celebrate Hari Raya Haji in jail after they were nabbed for possession of five kilogrammes of ‘daun ketum’ in Puchong here on Saturday. The men, in their late 20s, were to have returned to their kampung yesterday with the leaves — scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa — if not for a run-in with four Rela members on patrol in Kampung Sri Aman about 4pm on Saturday. It is learnt that the duo had picked the leaves from trees that grow not far from the kampung before they were arrested. Subang Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Fuad Talib said the Rela members contacted the police who then went to the kampung to arrest the two suspects. The case is being investigated under Section 30 (3) of the Poison Act 1952. Those caught in possession could face a maximum fine of RM10,000 or a jail term of up to four years, or both, upon conviction. Meanwhile, in an anti-narcotics operation last Friday, police screened 62 people in Puchong and Subang Jaya, while conducting spot checks on cyber cafes, snooker centres and the roadsides. Mohd Fuad said 17 people tested positive while seven others were detained after police found 162 grammes of ganja in their rented flats in Puchong Permai. Leaves popular as alternative medicine, energy drink ‘Daun ketum’ is indigenous to Malaysia, and mostly grows wild in the northern part of the peninsula, from Kedah to as far as Thailand. (continued)

Source: Malay Mail/10 January 2006/ http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Tuesday/National/20060110104810/Article/index_html

Singer’s Boyfriend Charged With Trafficking

The High Court yesterday charged an unemployed man with drug trafficking last March. Ku Faizal Ku Baharum, 29, better known as the boyfriend of singer and actress Noor Shereen Mohd Hadzin, claimed trial to trafficking 0.4gm of methamphetamine (syabu) at C1-1-C3, Subang Villa Ehsan Apartments, Taman Sri Subang, about 2am on March 15. He was charged under Section 39(b) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The charge carries the death penalty, upon conviction. Judicial Commissioner Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yasin fixed Feb 13 for mention. DPP Datin Nik Sarina Lugman Hashim prosecuted, while the accused was represented by counsel Hasnal Rezua Merican. Ku Faizal also faces another charge of possessing 173.67gm of cannabis. He will be tried tomorrow at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court. Noor Shereen was also charged with consuming heroin and two counts of possessing 0.66gm of cannabis and 0.78gm of syabu at the same time and place. She will also be tried tomorrow at the Petaling Jaya magistrate’s court.

Source: Malay Mail/Rita Jong/10 January 2006/ http://www.mmail.com.my/Current_News/MM/Tuesday/National/20060110104256/Article/index_html

Myanmar

Myamar`s Military Junta Appealing To Dissident Groups To Surrender

Myamar`s military junta is appealing to dissident groups to surrender. The New Democratic Army-Kachin, or NDA-K, reports that the junta has contacted it to dissolve one of its four brigades. The NDA-K has rejected the offer. NDA-K spokesman Lt. Col. Langjaw Song Ting noted, 'NDA-K Brigade-4 was not included on the (original) agenda of the ceasefire agreement; therefore the brigade should be detached.' Langjaw told The Irrawaddy that the NDA-K received the communication from Maj. Gen. Ohn Myint. According to Langjaw authorities in Yangon, while not ordering the NDA-K to disarm totally, have nevertheless pressured the group. More than 30 NDA-K soldiers surrendered in early October, but local estimates say that the NDA-K forces in Myitkyina can still deploy approximately 200 soldiers loyal to Zahkung Ting Ying, who rejected the authorities` request, reiterating that the NDA-K would never surrender until it succeeded in pacifying the country. The Karen are an ethnic minority, mostly Christian, from the highlands near the Myanmar-Thai border who have been battling the authorities in Yangon for decades. Their cause in hampered by the fact that their areas are prime drug producing areas in the 'golden triangle.' While the NDA-K signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in 1989, sporadic clashes have continued. The NDA-K dominate areas are heavily into drug production, with Myanmar being the world`s second-largest producer of opium after Afghanistan. The Bush administration is urging its allies to pressure Myanmar`s military dictatorship to reform. (continued)

Source: Monsters and Critics/John C.K. Daly/6 January 2006/ http://news.monstersandcritics.com/intelandterror/article_1073752.php/Myamar%60s_military_junta_appealing_to_dissident_groups_to_surrender

India To Host Regional Anti-Narcotics Conference This Week

Strict control of precursor chemicals used to produce illegal drugs will top the agenda of an anti-narcotics conference involving five nations to be held in India next week. Pol Lt-Gen Krisana Pol-anand, secretary-general of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, said Myanmar, China and Thailand had agreed to propose strict measures to curb the movement of precursor chemicals used in the production of illegal drugs. Myanmar, China, India, Laos and Thailand are taking part in the three-day meeting, which begins on Tuesday [10 January]. Pol Lt-Gen Krisana said cooperation and prevention would be emphasized as part of the group's collective crackdown on drug trafficking in the region. He said that although areas along the northern Thai border with Myanmar have been sealed off in a bid to prevent drug smuggling, there had been reports that traffickers were now using a new route through Laos along the Mekong River into the northeast of Thailand. This provides the opportunity for a possible connection with Cambodia, which is also thought to be another transit point for drug traffickers. "The border with Laos and Cambodia will be tightened up and monitored closely," Pol Lt-Gen Krisana said. He said three major drug production plants are still said to be operating deep inside Myanmar and there were many other plants along Myanmar's northern border with China. (continued)

Source: India Daily/8 January 2006/

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/6308.asp

Philippines

Court Inventory Seen To Drag Probe On Raid

INVESTIGATION on the courtroom raid inside the Hall of Justice building Monday might drag on for a while as court employees still struggle Thursday to catalog documents left behind in disarray by the armed suspects, a probe official said Thursday. A full-blown investigation could only take off as soon as court employees tasked to conduct inventory have already determined the missing documents or properties in the assaulted Branch 25, said Director Virgilio Mendez of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Northern Mindanao. NBI is the lead agency of the task force investigating the incident. "We are at the mercy of the people conducting the inventory," Mendez said. "We have to know what's missing and start from there," he added No date was given on the inventory's completion. But Mendez said they are as of press time conducting study on the major cases lodged before Judge Noli Catli that might serve as a vital link to the ongoing investigation. Branch 25 is a semi-drug court, with four big-time drug cases presently pending on its sala, Mendez said. One of the drug cases being looked into, he said, is the drug charges filed few years back against a Muslim woman nabbed after Cagayan de Oro Maritime officials found almost a kilo of shabu in her possession. But a judgment had been rendered on that case recently and the suspects might be after of the confiscated substance, said Mendez. He added, "But the whole picture is still unclear and that's another possible angle. (continued)

Source: Sun Star/Danilo V. Adorador III/6 January 2006/ http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2006/01/06/news/court.inventory.seen.to.drag.probe.on.raid.html

Iloilo PNP Illegal Drugs Drive Nets 104 Violators

A total of 104 persons were arrested from January 1 to November 30, 2005 in various operations conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) in this city in its relentless war against illegal drugs. Based on the ICPO situation update report during the same period a total of 84 cases were already filed in court against the suspects. The ICPO report indicated that Task Force Bakhaw has the most number of suspects arrested with 38 followed by ICPO and Molo Police Precinct (PP4) with 15 each, Iloilo City Proper Police Precinct (PP1) and Jaro Police Precinct (PP3) with 11 each, Iloilo City Mobile Group (ICMG) and Arevalo Police Precinct (PP6) with 6 each and Mandurriao Police Precinct (PP5) with 2. The various operations also yielded a total of 92.9844 grams of shabu and 2032.498 grams of marijuana. As of the May 14, 2005 report, there are 15 drug -affected barangays in this city. The barangays listed are the following: Brgy. Zamora-Melliza, Brgy Veterans Village, Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Brgy. Tanza-Esperanza, Brgy. Rizal, Brgy. Bito-on, Brgy. North San Jose, Brgy. Calumpang, Brgy. Bakhaw, On the other hand, identified as newly drug affected barangays are Brgy. Malipayon, Brgy. Simon-Ledesma, Brgy. Boulevard, Brgy. Yulo, Brgy. Sta. Felomena and Brgy. Sto. Nino Sur. With a declaration of President Arroyo to bring war against illegal drug to every barangay throughout the country, the ICPO and the Iloilo City government have been closely linking arms in implementing necessary measures to address the illegal drug problems in the city. (continued)

Source: PIA Information Service/6 January 2006/ http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060105.htm&no=24

New Judge Appointed To Handle Drug Cases

Finally, the Supreme Court (SC) has designated a permanent judge to exclusively handle cases involving illegal drugs. Before Chief Justice Hilario Davide retired last December, he was able to sign the designation of Judge Romeo Albarracin as presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 9, the special court for drugs cases. RTC Branch 9 was taken over temporarily by Executive Judge Renato Fuentes of RTC Branch 17 after Judge Adoracion Avisado resigned from government service in 2003. Abarracin, a government prosecutor for several years, was first appointed judge of Municipal Trial Court (MTC) in Malaglag, Davao del Sur. Fuentes told reporters that the appointment of Albarracin to RTC Branch 9 will speed up the disposition of about 600 drugs cases now pending before the drugs court. Prior to Albarracin’s designation, Fuentes con-ducted trials of drugs cases only thrice a week which affected the disposition of the drugs cases as well as the cases pending before RTC Branch 17.

Source: Mindanao Daily Mirror/6 January 2006/ http://bond.lanesystems.com/sitegen/article.asp?wid=125&cid=451&aid=34682

Drug Tipsters Get P7M

A TOTAL of P7.32 million was given last year by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to informants who provided highly-reliable tips that led to the neutralization of a number of drug laboratories and warehouses and big-time drug traffickers, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chairman Anselmo S. Avenido Jr. announced yesterday. Avenido also clarified reports that the PDEA Operation: Private Eye has been the subject of complaints from the tipsters. He said President Macapagal-Arroyo knows where the money goes since the PDEA is regularly updating her on the progress of the reward system. Operation: Private Eye is the PDEA's rewards and incentives scheme to encourage the citizenry to provide information that would lead to the recovery of illegal drugs and arrest of illegal drug personalities.

Source: People's Journal/11 January 2006/ http://www.journal.com.ph/news.asp?pid=2&sid=1&nid=17544&month=1&day=11&year=2006

Singapore

Thai Woman Gets Five Years' Jail For Drug Trafficking

A Thai woman is the first member of a foreign drug syndicate busted in December to be jailed. 24-year-old Thai Arriwan Muangsawat pleaded guilty to trafficking 2.59 grammes of ice in Devonshire Road last month and was sentenced to five years' jail. She was among 14 men and women, all foreigners, arrested by narcotics officers in a large sting operation on December 8. Of the 14, four were released by the Central Narcotics Bureau. Another Thai woman, 21-year-old Watthana Matarat, accused of consuming ice was acquitted on December 20. The cases for eight others are still pending. They include two Britons, a Japanese and another five Thais who face either trafficking, consumption or possession charges. This foreign syndicate bust happened more than a year after several high-profile personalities were arrested for using illegal drugs in October 2004.

Source: Channel News Asia/Rita Zahara/4 January 2006/ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/186608/1/.html

Narcotics Officers Nab 2 For Drug-Related Offences

Two men were arrested last Friday for drug-related offences. Narcotics officers nabbed a 21-year-old suspected trafficker at a fast food restaurant at Downtown East after he sold 3 Ecstasy tables to an undercover officer. Further search uncovered another 10 Ecstasy tablets and ketamine hidden in a cigarette box. The suspect's 20-year-old associate who tested positive for amphetamine was also arrested and referred to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. In a follow-up raid at the suspect's home at New Upper Changi Road, officers found 52 Ecstasy tablets, 3 Erimin-5 tablets, about 6.2 grammes of ketamine and 1.5 grammes of cannabis. If convicted, he could face at least 5 years imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.

Source: Channel News Asia/Wong Siew Ying/8 January 2006/ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/187280/1/.html

Thailand

Thai Woman Gets Five Years' Jail For Drug Trafficking

Source: Channel News Asia/Rita Zahara/4 January 2006/ http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/186608/1/.html

Illegal Trash Dumping 'Run By Big Shots'

Vested interest groups are behind the illegal dumping of garbage in Lampang and other upper northern provinces, according to Lampang governor Amornthat Niratthisayakul. Tackling the problem was an uphill task as influential figures were involved. (continued) The firm also won concessions to collect garbage at industrial estates in Lamphun. During the New Year holidays, more than 20 trucks carrying tonnes of garbage were seen heading for Lampang, Phrae, Tak and Kamphaeng Phet. The garbage was from Chiang Mai and Lamphun. A source at the narcotics suppression office in Chiang Mai said some trucks carried not only garbage, but also drugs. ''Some trucks were taking methamphetamine pills. A former mayor in Lampang became unusually rich from this activity,'' said the source.

Source: Bangkok Post/SOMSAK SUKSAI/5 January 2006/ http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/05Jan2006_news11.php

Drug-Fuelled Sex Party Ends In Arrests

Police arrested three men yesterday during what they described as a drug-induced sex party in a hotel room. The suspects were identified as Anucha Limprasertying, 40, Jakkrit Eksiriwattana, 50, and Supon Lamleswiput, 38. The three men were allegedly partying with two females aged 17 and 18 in a hotel room in Samut Sakhon. Police found three grams of smokeable speed called “ice”, several ecstasy pills, ketamine and a sedative pill in the room. According to police, the suspects had offered “ice” and ecstasy pills to the two girls in exchange for sex. Police seized more than Bt10 million worth of the suspects’ assets, including a Mercedes-Benz and two other vehicles. “We have been tracking this gang for quite some time,” Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Viroj Jantarangsi said. Viroj said the three men had driven flashy cars to attract young women around nightclubs and entice them into providing sexual favours in exchange for drugs. Colonel Suras Udomrat of the Metropolitan Police Bureau said all three suspects would face charges of possessing illicit drugs with intent to sell.

Source: The Nation/6 January 2006/ http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/01/06/national/index.php?news=national_19587888.html

Vietnam

Helping Ex-Drug Addicts Find A Better Future

"Arms to Arms" garage represents a new start for former drug addicts who come here to work and reintegrate themselves into society. Phan Thuy reports. On the corner of Nguyen Hong Street, in Ha Noi’s Ba Dinh District, sits a small, ordinary garage. The only distinguishing feature is a sign on the door that reads "Noi Vong Tay Lon" or "Arms to Arms", which symbolises the solidarity of the establishment’s workers – all former drug addicts. The corner used to serve as the commune’s dump, but now the 10sq.m lot has been transformed into the small shop that can hold about 10 workers. The idea for this community service project came from the Thanh Cong Ward police force and its People’s Committee, for the ward has over 100 drug addicts, only 50 of whom have fully recovered. Often, when addicts return from the rehab centre, they still feel guilty and isolated, and have a hard time integrating back into society. They don’t know how to begin a new life. Most of them have been addicted to drugs since they were children, so they have never had the opportunity to acquire skills. "It’s great for a person to go through rehab, but as a policeman, I am always concerned about what will happen when they get out," says Bui Thanh Thai, deputy chief of the ward’s police station. "Many addicts go back to their old ways, and some even become more dependent, and sometimes violent." (continued)

Source: Vietnam News Service/Phan Thuy/8 January 2006/ http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=02SUN080106