The Narcotic Control Bureau also disclosed that 63 permanent residents were arrested in 2003 while 34 foreigners were rounded up in 2002. This number increased to 40 from the previous year.

Malays made up the highest number of arrests in drug-related offences.

In 2001, 489 offenders of Malay descent were arrested. In 2002, the number increased to 628, and it swelled to 635 in 2003.

Last year, 451 unemployed were arrested while in 2002 only a total of 435 arrests were made.

The number of arrests last year for those employed with the government was 92 while 74 people were arrested from the private sector, and 56 individuals.

The total of students arrested for drug offences increased from 20 in 2002 and to 28 the previous year.

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Those who are 31 years old and above made up the largest number of drug-related arrests. Last year, 227 people, who are 31 years old and above, were arrested.

This was followed by those aged between 21 and 25, and the 26 to 30 years old age group.