SIBU: Nearly 200 people were hauled up and drugs worth close to RM300,000 taken off the streets following a month-long narcotics operation across the district last month.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the district police headquarters (IPD) launched ‘Ops Tapis Narkotik’ from Jan 1 to Jan 31 as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse in the area.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 195 individuals, including 14 foreign nationals, for various drug-related offences.
“Among those detained were five individuals under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a mandatory death sentence or life imprisonment, upon conviction.
“Police also arrested three suspects under Section 39A(2), 11 under Section 39A(1), and 23 under Section 12(3) of the same Act.
“Another 152 individuals were detained for drug abuse under Section 15(1)(a), while one person was arrested under Section 3(1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983,” he said.
Throughout the operation, police also seized 13,508.84g of various types of drugs during the operation, with an estimated street value of RM299,392.62.
Zulkipli stated 56 individuals have since been charged in court.
This includes five charged under Section 39B, three under Section 39A(2), 11 under Section 39A(1), and 23 under Section 12(3) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. Nine foreign nationals were charged under Section 15(1)(a).
He assured that police will continue to intensify enforcement efforts against drug distribution and abuse, and called on the public to assist by sharing information.
“Members of the public with information on drug activities should report them to the Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) hotline at 012-2087222 or Sarawak NCID at 017-5922211,” he said.
