KUCHING: The Sarawak Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) recorded an 18 per cent rise in arrests this year, reflecting effective enforcement efforts to combat drug abuse and distribution across the state.
From Jan 1 to Nov 16, a total of 11,315 arrests were made, an increase of 1,727 compared to 9,588 arrests during the same period last year.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said 584 of those arrested were drug dealers.
“Meanwhile, the value of seized drugs rose slightly to RM29.9 million this year from RM29.7 million last year.
“Seizures of assets linked to drug-related crimes saw a significant jump, from RM4.04 million last year to RM17.5 million this year — a 333.5 per cent increase.
“The rise follows enforcement under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and actions against organised crime under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA),” he said during the Sarawak Contingent police headquarters’ (IPK) monthly assembly today.
Among the Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s (CCID) achievements was the arrest of four suspects involved in currency forgery. Two have been sentenced to 24 months’ jail, while the other two are awaiting trial under Section 489C of the Penal Code.
“Between Jan 1 and Oct 31, the CCID also conducted 271 arrests under ‘Ops NSRC’, targeting mule accounts, achieving a KPI of 63.76 per cent and strengthening efforts against digital financial fraud,” he said.
On index crimes, Sarawak recorded 3,925 cases from Jan to Oct, a nine per cent decrease from 4,307 cases in the same period last year.
Zainal pointed out that violent crimes also showed a slight decline, with 526 cases compared to 535 in 2024.
“Certain categories, however, saw increases. Rape cases rose 11 per cent, from 129 to 143, unarmed robbery increased by two cases, and assault cases went up by one per cent.
“Property crimes decreased to 3,399 cases from 3,772, though car thefts rose by 20 per cent and house break-ins increased by 32 cases, totalling 961 incidents up to October,” he said.
Zainal said Sarawak police are pursuing a proactive enforcement strategy, focusing on offensive operations to dismantle drug networks, financial syndicates, and high-profile crimes.
“This approach shows that the state contingent not only tackles crime reactively but can also disrupt criminal networks at an early stage.
“It enhances operational effectiveness on the ground, particularly against organised crime. We will continue to strengthen high-impact operations heading into 2026, especially against drug trafficking, commercial crimes, and digital threats,” he said.
