Waiko The Labrador's Sniffing Leads To Arrest Of 16 Drug Traffickers
The six-year-old Labrador has been on the prowl, sniffing out drugs and catching traffickers in Kerian district, Perak since January.
By Daranee Balachandar — 01 Jun 2021, 03:52 PM
Meet Waiko, the Labrador who has managed to stop the smuggling of illicit substances into Perak at Kerian district roadblocks since January
The actions of the brave and diligent canine also contributed to the arrests of 16 drug traffickers and addicts in the district, reported Bernama.
Waiko — who is six years old — is a tail-wagging patrol dog from the K9 unit of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) Perak deputy head Supt Mohd Husni Manaf said the assignment of the K9 unit is vital in preventing drug smuggling activities that target routes on federal roads, reported Utusan Malaysia.
He said it is especially essential in Kerian as the district borders three states — Perak, Kedah, and Pahang — and is believed to be a route for drug trafficking activities.
According to his guardian KPL R Navindran from the Perak Contingent Police Headquarters, Waiko's presence helps boost their team spirit
Having Waiko and his fellow canine colleague Rocky around has prompted police officers to conduct regular checks at roadblocks in the area to sniff out suspicious vehicles or individuals.
"We will move towards the object where Waiko will sniff and scratch to detect drugs such as cannabis, syabu, and heroin," Navindran said.
He told Bernama, "Waiko has been very important to K9 in busting drug trafficking syndicates and it is a useful asset to the police and the community."
Mohd Husni was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia that the operation — which usually begins at 10pm — includes Waiko and Rocky with their handlers as well as around 20 other team members.
Waiko is always on standby at roadblocks — even at night
JSJN Perak chief ACP Lee King Chuan said that, "During the K9 assignment starting 16 Jan this year, there were several small achievements involving the arrest of 16 people with various sections of offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Poisons Act 1952."
"Of the total, eight people were arrested under Section 39B and Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act and while another eight were arrested under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952," Lee added.
According to the Dangerous Drug Act 1952, Section 39B is related to the trafficking in dangerous drugs. Section 12(2) is related to the possession, import, and export of certain dangerous drugs.
Meanwhile, Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 involves prohibiting the import, export, manufacture, supply, possession, and other methods of handling psychotropic substances.
Lee said as of April this year, the police have arrested 226 individuals for various drug-related offences in Kerian district alone.
