If you had high expectations of enjoying Thailand for literally all it has to offer, well we have got some bad news for you.
Earlier this week, local police warned Malaysians to steer clear of drug use in countries that have legalised cannabis after it revealed that 12 of its citizens tested positive for marijuana after returning from Thailand in July.
According to a news report, police carried out a random drug test at the border crossing points of Wang Kelian and Padang Besar in Perlis, in which it tested 96 individuals, 71 of whom were subjected to a urine test.
Perlis police chief Surina Saad pointed out that someone who intentionally tries to consume drugs or any cannabis-related substance that can cause hallucinations will be prosecuted under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“Individuals who bring in cannabis-based items in big amounts will also be charged under the same act for drug possession or drug trafficking,” Surina said.
Although she admitted that it would be legally difficult to test individuals coming from countries that legalised drugs.
She said that before making an arrest and asking a suspect to submit to a urine test, the authorities must have good cause to suspect.
“Taking urine randomly on the basis of suspicion that a person has just visited a country that has legalised drugs is unreasonable and it is highly likely that civil action will be taken against the authorities for abuse of power,” Surina said.
She issued a warning to all recently returned visitors, advising them to keep in mind that drugs used abroad can stay in the body for a while, and if they are discovered after a few days after returning, they can still be regarded to have used drugs.
It seems like Malaysia is following in Singapore’s footsteps. Under Singaporean law, any of its citizens or permanent resident found to have abused controlled drugs overseas will be treated as if they had abused drugs in the country itself. Read more here.
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