The number of arrests due to drug trafficking in Pahang is on the rise with an increase of 37 cases or six per cent in the first six months of 2017 from 630 cases during the corresponding period last year.

Pahang police chief Datuk Rosli Ab Rahman said on the other hand, the number of drug possession in the first half had also increased by three per cent, namely 1,394 cases compared to 1,358 cases during the same period last year.

"A total of 37 people were picked up under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 for the first six months of this year compared to 23 people during the same period last year," he said here today.

Meanwhile, Rosli said police viewed seriously the drug abuse problems among school students in the state.

"We have detained 52 students in Kuantan and Pekan districts in the first six months of this year alone for their alleged involvement in drug abuse cases," he said, adding that heroin and 'pil kuda' (methamphetamine pills) had been popular among the students.

-- BERNAMA