KUCHING: What appeared to be an ordinary stop outside a hotel along Jalan Song turned into a drug bust after police detained a 26-year-old man and allegedly found ketamine in his possession.
The arrest was made by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) of the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK) at about 12.30 pm on May 25.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said inspections on the suspect led to the seizure of 5.42g of suspected ketamine.
“The estimated street value of the drugs seized is about RM600,” he said in a statement.
Alexson added that an initial urine screening test found the suspect positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, ketamine and benzo.
“Checks further revealed that the suspect has no prior criminal record.
“The case is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a jail sentence of between two and five years, as well as between three and nine strokes of the cane upon conviction,” he said.
He said the suspect has been remanded for four days from May 27 to 30 under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code to assist investigations.
“The success of the operation was the result of continuous intelligence gathering and cooperation from the public,” he said.
Alexson stressed that police would not compromise with individuals involved in drug trafficking and other drug-related activities.
“Possessing, distributing or protecting drug activities are serious offences under the law,” he said.
He added that the NCID remains committed to combating drug abuse to protect both present and future generations, describing drugs as the nation’s “number one enemy”.
Members of the public with information on drug-related activities can contact the Bukit Aman NCID hotline at 012-208 7222 or the Sarawak NCID hotline at 017-592 9211.
