2026-02-19 / Debate (Continued): Judicature (Amendment) Bill and Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs (Amendment) Bill - Committee and Third Reading 2026-02-19
Hon. Faiszer Musthapha (PC) expressed support for the proposed amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act, particularly welcoming provisions extending jurisdiction over drug operations conducted from the high seas on stateless vessels. He called for the introduction of a dedicated undercover decoy unit, modelled on United States law enforcement mechanisms, to allow Police and Tri-Forces to covertly engage with drug cartels and gather admissible evidence against high-level traffickers. He also raised concerns about inhumane prison conditions at Welikade, the continued operation of drug networks from within prisons, and the ineffectiveness of signal scramblers, urging technical solutions to restore their use. Additionally, he urged amendments to the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act to extend witness protection beyond the trial period, including the option of overseas relocation in serious drug cases.
Hon. Presiding Member, these Amendments to the Judicature Act and the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Act are a very positive step. Drug cartels today operate from the high seas, and many stateless vessels are involved. Bringing them within our jurisdiction is essential.
The drug menace is one of our gravest social problems and a major driver of crime. Recently, even a lawyer was killed due to drug traffickers.
Hon. Minister, I urge you to establish a decoy system: a dedicated unit empowered to engage with cartels covertly so that we can bring the kingpins to book. Catching small fish is not enough; we must change our legal framework to allow Police and the Tri-Forces to act as decoys, transact with traffickers, and secure admissible evidence—like the mechanisms used in the United States.
On prisons: at Welikada it says “Prisoners are also human,” yet sanitation, water, and nutrition are inadequate. Overcrowding is inhuman. Remand prisoners are presumed innocent; they need proper facilities.
Drug traffickers still run business from prisons. While scramblers were installed, they were removed because they jammed neighbours’ phones. This must be fixed.
Security for the public, the judiciary, and the legal profession needs strengthening. On witness protection, we should be able to relocate witnesses in serious drug cases, including abroad where necessary. While we have the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, we need Amendments to ensure safety even after testimony, not only during the trial. Without witnesses, trials cannot proceed. Please study mechanisms used in other countries.
Thank you for the opportunity, Hon. Presiding Member.