MIRI: Police arrested a foreign national at a public market in Lutong here on Monday afternoon (Dec 22) in connection with suspected drug possession.
The suspect was detained at about 2.30 pm during an operation conducted by officers from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department of the Miri District Police Headquarters.
Police said an inspection led to the seizure of one transparent plastic packet and 18 cut straw tubes containing crystal substances believed to be methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu.
The drugs were estimated to weigh 8.25 grams with a market value of about RM950.
The suspect was taken to the Miri Central Police Station lock-up to assist investigations.
He is expected to be charged under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for possession of dangerous drugs, as well as Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act.
If convicted under Section 39A(1), the offence carries a mandatory prison sentence of not less than two years and not more than five years, and whipping of between three and nine strokes.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to a wider drug distribution network in the district.
Members of the public are urged to continue providing information related to drug abuse activities in their communities.
Information can be channelled to the JSJN Hotline at 012-208 7222 or the JSJN Sarawak Hotline at 017-592 9211.
