SIBU: Police have intensified their war on drugs, arresting 132 individuals this month under ‘Ops Tapis Narkotik’, a sweeping operation targeting pushers and addicts alike.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said from Oct 6 to 24, police opened a total of 122 investigation papers under various sections of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
The operation has led to the successful arrests of four suspects under Section 39A(1), 15 under Section 12(3), and 113 drug addicts under Section 15(1)(a).
“Between Oct 17 and 24 alone, police have arrested 47 individuals and all have since been charged in the Sibu Magistrate’s Court.
“Meanwhile, another 11 individuals are still under remand, including one main suspect detained under Section 39B to assist investigations,” he said.
Zulkipli stated that those convicted under Section 39B, could face the death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane, if not sentenced to death.
For offences under Section 39A(1), offenders can be jailed for up to five years and given not more than nine strokes of the cane.
Under Section 12(3), offenders may be fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to five years, or both, while those convicted under Section 15(1)(a) can be fined up to RM5,000 or jailed up to two years, or both, and placed under two years of supervision under Section 38B of the same Act.
“Police, particularly the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID), will continue to intensify operations to curb drug distribution and abuse.
“Members of the public with information on drug-related activities are urged to come forward and assist the police by contacting Bukit Aman NCID’s hotline at 012-2087222 or Sarawak NCID’s hotline at 017-59292211,” he said.
