29 detained in ESSCom-led operation in Beluran
KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) continued to lead a joint operation to make the the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) a safer place.
Twenty-nine people were detained during a three-day operation at Sapi Nangoh in Beluran district that ended on Saturday.
ESSCom commander Deputy Commissioner Datuk Victor Sanjos said 1,076 people were screened and 512 vehicles were checked.
“Eleven Filipinos and Indonesians were detained for various immigration offences after the screening,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry roped in two people and seized a four-wheel drive vehicle on suspicion of transporting 600 litres of diesel without a proper permit,” he added.
He said seven people were arrested after they were found positive for methamphetamine and two others were hauled in for possession of drugs.
“We also detained seven people for possession of 1,135 cartons of cigarettes under the Customs Act 1967,” said Sanjos, adding traffic police issued 96 summonses to motorists for various offences.
Sanjos said the operation was aimed at curbing the smuggling of controlled goods and preventing crime as well as detecting the entry of undocumented migrants on main roads connecting the state’s west and east coasts.
“This included jalan tikus (hidden trails) which we have identified were being used by criminals in Beluran.
“The operation is intended to help make the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) a safer place,” he said.
Sanjos urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the ESSCom operations centre at 089-863 181 or the WhatsApp number 011-6331 1072.