Eradicating the drug menace

Sibu police to launch major integrated operation to cut off drug supply

SIBU: The police will launch a major integrated operation here on Friday (March 11) to crack down on the drug menace, which has been identified as the root cause of most crime cases.

Sibu police chief ACP Mohd Kamal Kordi said his deputy Supt Martin Koo would lead the operation focusing on cutting off the drug supply from pushers to reduce substance abuse and further bring down the town’s crime rate.

He added that the police aimed to significantly lower drug cases to minimal numbers within six months.

“Based on our study, from the 10 people involved in crime cases, between seven and eight are those involved in drug abuse or drug addicts. Noting this connection, the police for this year will be going all out to wipe out drug abuse and peddling activities,” Mohd Kamal told a press conference during a blood donation yesterday.

Based on our study, from the 10 people involved in crime cases, between seven and eight are those involved in drug abuse or drug addicts. Noting this connection, the police for this year will be going all out to wipe out drug abuse and peddling activities. — ACP Mohd Kamal Kordi, Sibu police chief

He said the operation would involve the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and Criminal Investigation Department.

“For the first two months of this year, a total of 471.35 grams of syabu had been seized, which was nearly half a kilogramme, compared to 16.38 grammes last year as we strengthened our intelligence to curtail such illegal activity,” said Mohd Kamal.

Up till last month, the police seized 219.91 grammes of ketamine, 211 Erimin 5 pills compared to just 40 last year, while last year 6.8 grammes of ganja were seized.

Mohd Kamal said drug pushers usually stayed in budget hotels to run their trade and most arrests were made there.

As such, he urged hotel operators to work closely with the police to fight crime and warned of stern action for front office staff protecting drug pushers.

He also urged the public to be the police’s eyes and ears.

“Strong cooperation from members of the public can help us to reduce the crime rate, cut off the supply of drugs and bring down the number of those entangled in drug abuse,” Mohd Kamal said.

Meanwhile, the blood donation was organised in conjunction with the 209th Police Day celebration by Sibu police headquarters in collaboration with the Sibu Hospital blood bank, Sarawak Community Policing Association Sibu and Star Mega Mall.

A total of 72 police personnel donated blood along with 20 members of the Sarawak Community Policing Association Sibu led by unit head Thomas Ling.