MIRI: A police narcotics operation here has netted eight men, including a foreign national.
Methamphetamine worth nearly RM700 was also seized.
Acting on intelligence, officers from the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of Miri district police headquarters moved in on the rear of a shoplot at Jalan Desa Pujut, Permyjaya, on Oct 1.
The 3 pm raid led to the arrest of a 33-year-old foreigner, allegedly found in possession of five grams of methamphetamine.
He is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a minimum two years’ imprisonment and whipping if convicted.
Police said the man is due to be charged in court on Friday.
In the same operation, seven local men aged between 22 and 48 were also detained. Four are being investigated for drug possession under Section 12(2) of the same Act, involving a total of 1.46 grams of methamphetamine, while the other three tested positive for drug use and face charges under Section 15(1)(a).
All eight suspects have been remanded. Those accused of possession are being held for four days until Oct 6, while the three facing consumption charges are remanded for two days until Oct 4.
Police estimate the street value of the seized drugs at RM680.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the arrests underscored the force’s determination to break drug networks in the district.
“This success was the result of continuous surveillance and public cooperation,” he said in a statement.
“The Royal Malaysia Police will not compromise with any party involved in drug trafficking. Possessing, distributing or protecting drug activities is a serious offence under the law.”
He urged members of the public to continue channelling information through the narcotics hotline, stressing that drugs remain the country’s “number one enemy”.
