12 detained over drug abuse
KENINGAU: Twelve men from Tenom, Keningau and Sook have been apprehended by the National Anti-Drug Agency (Nada) Keningau on suspicion of involvement in drug abuse.
Nada Keningau chief, Azry Golbin @ Azmi, said, the suspects were taken into custody following raids conducted at four villages.
The arrests were made following public complaints and the result of a week ongoing surveillance by Nada Keningau.
He said enforcement officers have been conducting frequent operations to continuously remind the public on the dangers of drugs and its implications, adding that Nada takes the matter seriously and aims to educate the public all the way from the grassroots.
“Drug abuse must be eradicated from the early stages before it becomes a virus that spreads and threatens the family institution, communities and society as a whole,” he said.
The apprehended suspects, aged between 21 and 51 years old, will have their cases investigated under Section 3 (1) of the Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983 for suspected drug abuse while one suspect faces a charge under Section 6 (3) of the same Act, for using the drug during the surveillance operation.
The suspects, if found guilty, will be liable to imprisonment of up to three years and three strokes of the cane.