Hamid had previously revealed that Datuks and Tan Sris were among the masterminds of more than five drug syndicates in the country and that action would be taken against them.

Today, Hamid said the Narcotics Department was already aware of the involvement of these individuals in cartels for some time, but that the main challenge was obtaining evidence that would link them directly to the syndicate.

He maintained that swift action would be taken against these individuals once the department is able to prove their involvement in these cartels.

“These drug cartels can’t run away any longer, we have complete data (on them). From one operation to another, every week, we have been successful in taking them down,” he told reporters after an event here today.

He said he has also asked the government to consider approving a request to employ additional officers to help combat the issue.

“I don’t want to be accused as the IGP who failed to manage the drug problem,” he said.

Hamid added that investigation papers into the Macau Scam and gambling syndicate involving Addy Kanna and 31 policemen have been handed over to the Police Force Commission for further action.

He said the case had been probed by the Department of Integrity and Compliance Standards, while all of the policemen involved will be punished.