SIBU: Drug trafficking in the central region of Sarawak has sparked serious concern among the enforcement authorities.
Sibu Customs Station chief Mohammad Radzi Mohammad Sharif revealed that in the first five months of this year, they have recorded eight cases in Sibu, with a drug seizure value of RM5.3 million.
“This is extremely worrying, especially compared to other smuggling crimes like cigarettes, liquor and others.
“Drugs can lead to addiction and spur individuals to commit severe crimes, including murder, for the sake of drugs.
“Hence, the Sibu Customs Department will work hard to combat this issue, which is considered as extremely worrying,” he said at the closing of the Customs Briefing on Prevention, Smuggling, and Distribution of Prohibited Goods yesterday (June 10).
The programme organised by the Nangka Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) in collaboration with Sibu Customs, was attended by 50 community leaders and ketua kaum (KMKK) from the Sibu Malay/Melanau Division.
Radzi pointed out that the drug influx does not just occur in Sibu but also extends to rural areas like Song and Kapit, affecting villages and longhouses.
Although it may be challenging to completely eradicate this drug activity, he believed it can be reduced with community cooperation.
“The trafficking methods are constantly evolving, complicating efforts to control it entirely.
“However, through Customs programmes involving the community, we can reduce cases by raising public awareness,” he said.
That said, the Customs Department will continue to collaborate with the community to undertake such initiatives in the future.
Radzi is confident the KMKK will play a critical role in supporting the enforcement agencies in reducing drug trafficking activities.
