It’s normal for students to relieve stress by gaming or hanging out past curfew, but this student crossed the line by experimenting with drugs during his Thailand trip, which ended with his arrest.
A Penang SPM candidate, 17 years old, was arrested by the Kedah branch of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) when he was returning from a holiday in Thailand.
The student was stopped at the Bukit Kayu Hitam immigration checkpoint along with three friends while riding on two motorcycles. Urine tests revealed all of them were positive for ketamine.
SPM student in Penang arrested for drug usage
He admitted that part of his motivation was stress and curiosity, saying he “just wanted to try” the drug. It wasn’t his first time doing, so the student had used ketamine in a prior Thailand trip, according to his statement to AADK.
In total, 6 teenagers aged between 17 and 19 were arrested in an operation after screening.
They are being investigated under Section 3(1) of the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983.
More details about the arrest
According to Berita Harian, the arrest occurred at about 3:45 PM on 16 September at the Bukit Kayu Hitam Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) in Kedah.
All four who were with him initially (including the SPM candidate) had been riding two motorcycles. Their return from Thailand drew the attention of AADK agents during routine screening.
The urine screening found that they were positive for ketamine. Reports say the group had shared a cigarette laced with the drug during their trip.
Actions are being taken by the authorities
The student is an only child and has been living with his grandparents since his parents divorced when he was nine. He cited stress likely from home life or exam pressure and curiosity of “wanting to try” as reasons for taking part in drug use.
The case is being handled under Section 3(1) of the Drug Addicts (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, which covers use of narcotics and aims for rehabilitation as well as legal consequences.
This case serves as a reminder that while stress is a real issue for students, turning to drugs can have serious legal and personal consequences.
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