KUCHING: A local man is facing up to five years behind bars and whipping after police caught him with 6.1 grammes of suspected methamphetamine in Kampung Bako Hulu here on Wednesday (Aug 12).
The 37-year-old was arrested by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division (NCID) at about noon.
Kuching Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, said a search of the suspect uncovered the suspected methamphetamine in 16 plastic packets, worth an estimated RM305.
“However, a preliminary urine screening test on the suspect came back negative for drugs. Background checks also found that the suspect had no prior criminal record.
“He is being remanded for four days until August 17 to facilitate investigations under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he said.
Upon conviction, the offence provides for imprisonment of up to five years and whipping of up to nine strokes.
Alexson added that the arrest was the result of continuous intelligence gathering and cooperation from members of the public.
He stressed that police would not compromise with anyone involved in drug trafficking as possessing and distributing drugs or protecting drug-related activities are serious offences.
Members of the public can channel information on drug-related activities to Bukit Aman NCID hotline at 012-2087222 or Sarawak NCID hotline at 017-5929211.
