2,299 arrested over drugs in less than two months
KOTA KINABALU: The State Narcotics Police had detained 2,299 people for numerous drug offences between January 1 and February 21 of this year.
Sabah Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Zaini Jass said this showed an increase of 209 arrests made this year compared to the same period last year.
“From the figures, 168 of those arrested were being investigated under Section 39B, Section 39A(2) and Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” he told a press conference at the State Police Headquarters in Kepayan yesterday. Also present were Kota Kinabalu police chief ACP Habibi Majinji and State Narcotics Unit chief Superintendent Ahmad Jawila.
Zaini said syabu seizures amounting to a total of 3,907.81 grams were the biggest during the period, followed by seizure of ketum leaves (mitragyna speciosa) which amounted to six kilograms.
Meanwhile, he said the latest arrest was that of a local man from Papar with the seizure of 1,158 grams of cannabis worth RM2,500 in Luyang here on Wednesday, Feb 20.
Zaini said the suspect was apprehended by narcotics police by the roadside at Taman Dixon around 3.40pm.
“Prior to the arrest, the suspect was seen acting suspiciously next to a Subaru Impreza car.
“Upon inspection of the vehicle, two big plastic packets and 12 smaller packets containing dried leaves believed to be cannabis, weighing 214 grams underneath the driver's foot liner,” he said.
Following the arrest and further interrogation, the suspect led police to his home at Taman Cantik where police found 11 big plastic packets and 40 smaller plastic packets of dried leaves believed to be cannabis inside a black suitcase.
Initial police investigation revealed the drugs seized from the suitcase weighed 944grams, he said.
Zaini said further investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in a drug syndicate, currently being investigated by the police.
The suspect, in his 40s, is currently being remanded for seven days for investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.