The National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) has denied that it rounded up the homeless in Kuala Lumpur and dumped them off in distant locations.

However, the agency admitted being part of a joint operation, dubbed 'Ops Selamat', that was conducted in the city last weekend to weed out offenders who fell under various jurisdictions during the time of the incident.

"Ops Selamat did not target the homeless, as they are outside of AADK's jurisdiction.

"Thus, the agency denies news portal reports that said AADK was involved in the action to transport the homeless to several locations outside of town," it said in a media statement.

The agency insisted that the only persons it took action against were drug addicts, who come under its purview.

Action taken against 81 people

"In the operation, action was taken against 81 people under Section 3(1) and 8(3) of the Drug Dependents (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 after their urine tested positive for drugs.

"Most of them were sent to rehabilitation centres while some were let go on bail," it added.

According to AADK, 'Ops Selamat', which took place during the wee hours of May 21 and 22, specifically involved the Dang Wangi district AADK working together with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department and the Immigration Department.

It said the National Registration Department helped with identification while People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) personnel were involved with controlling those who were apprehended in the operation around Chow Kit, Pudu and Masjid Negara.

The agency stressed that AADK's purview is only to detect and apprehend drug addicts, whereas other offenders are to be handled by agencies with the appropriate jurisdiction.

AADK was responding to news reports quoting Deputy Federal Territories Minister Loga Bala Mohan who denied DBKL was the lead agency responsible in the rounding-up the homeless and transporting them to remote areas in Rawang and along the Karak Highway.

Admitting that DBL trucks and personnel were involved in the action, providing logistical support, Loga Bala insisted that AADK was the lead agency in charge of that particular part of the operation.