TAWAU: A foreigner was arrested and over 80 grams of Methamphetamine or syabu worth RM8,000 was seized during a police operation in the vicinity of Kampung Kurnia Jaya, Batu 4 Jalan Apas here on Monday.
The raid was carried out by policemen from the District Narcotics Crime Investigation Division at about 5.30 pm, OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin said in a statement on Tuesday.
During surveillance, NCID personnel noticed a suspicious-looking man carrying a black sling bag in the area. The suspect discarded the bag onto the ground and fled when the policemen approached him. After a brief struggle, the suspect was successfully apprehended, Jasmin said.
Upon inspection of the bag, police found 15 plastic packets, each containing crystalline substances believed to be Methamphetamine. The total estimated gross weight of the drugs was 83.43 grams. The suspect was arrested and the evidence seized for further investigation, he added.
The suspect aged around 30, is a foreigner without valid identification documents. A criminal record check revealed no prior offences and a urine screening test returned negative for drug use, Jasmin said.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days and the case is being probed under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries severe penalties, including the mandatory death sentence or life imprisonment upon conviction, he said.
“We are working to trace the drug distribution network linked to this case, Jasmin said.
Jasmin reiterated that drug trafficking possession or abuse is a serious crime under the law. The district police welcome cooperation and information from the public to help combat drug-related activities. – James Leong
