KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA -The seizure of synthetic drugs in the city increased fourfold last year compared with 2006.

The biggest increase was in Ecstasy pills. City police seized 8,139 pills last year compared with 2,360 in 2006.

National Anti-Drugs Agency director-general Datuk Sab-ran Napiah said synthetic drugs such as psychotropic, ecstasy and amphetamine pills were popular at nightspots such as discotheques. He was speaking at the launch of the "Anti-Drug at Entertainment Centres" campaign yesterday.

The number of drug-related arrests in the city also increased by 17 per cent last year compared with 2006, from 11,859 in 2006 to 13,864 last year.

The campaign aims to make all entertainment outlets drug-free zones.

The agency started its campaign in Penang, followed by Johor Baru soon.

Sabran said the agency, police and local authorities must work together to ensure nightspots were free from drugs.

Robert Lim, chief executive officer of Aloha Club Bistro & VIP Lounge at Jalan P. Ramlee, where the campaign was launched said it was a good move.

"I have done my best to ensure my club is free from drugs."

Sabran hoped other nightspots would emulate Aloha to ensure youth were not exposed to drugs.