KUCHING: Twenty-one locals were arrested and drugs worth over RM13,000 seized in a special narcotics operation in Betong last Saturday (June 18).
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the operation conducted by the Sarawak Narcotic Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), was held from 12pm to 6.30pm at Jalan Tisak and Beladin.
“During the operation, the team managed to arrest 18 men and three women aged between 18 and 54.
“Aside from that, syabu-type drugs worth RM13,230, were also seized from the suspects. These drugs can be distributed to approximately 661 drug abusers,” he said.
Investigations found that the suspects’ modus operandi, was to turn the forested area at Jalan Tisak, into a ‘drug port’ that operates from morning until late afternoon.
Meanwhile in Beladin, Azman said the drug sales was carried out at the suspects’ home.
“Investigation found that the drug supply was obtained from a man in the Beladin area.
“From there, the suspects will repack the drugs and sell them to local addicts,” he said.
Background checks found that four of the suspects had past records related to drugs while two others had past records related to drugs and crime.
He revealed that one of the women will be investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug trafficking, and another woman under Section 12(2) of the same Act for possessing drugs.
Whereas, 18 men as well as the third female suspect will be investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act for testing positive for drugs.
Azman disclosed that one of the female suspects will be remanded until June 24 under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The remaining 20 suspects have been released on police bail pending the completion of pathology reports, chemical reports and investigation papers.
During the operation, cash amounting to RM7,488 and jewellery worth around RM27,988, were also seized under Section 25 of the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, Sarawak NCID chief ACP Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah and deputy chief Supt Wong Leong Meng.
