SEMPORNA: The police here have ramped up operations in hotspot areas as they intensify the fight against drug threats in the district.
OCPD Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah on Saturday disclosed the arrest of two men in two separate raids conducted during “Op Tapis” on February 27.
The first suspect, a 20-year-old Filipino man, was arrested at the Public Jetty Road. A search of the suspect uncovered suspected methamphetamine weighing 5.85 grams hidden in his pants pocket.
The case is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which provides for a minimum prison sentence of two years and a minimum of three strokes of the cane upon conviction.
In a second operation in Kampung Sejati Satu, police arrested a 28-year-old local man. Further inspection revealed he was in possession of suspected methamphetamine weighing 0.15 grams, found clutched in his hand. This suspect is being investigated under Section 12(3) of the same Act for the offence of drug possession. If convicted, he faces a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for a maximum of five years, or both.
According to Tan, checks of past records revealed that neither suspect has any prior criminal history.
“We will not compromise with any individual involved in drug activities. Public cooperation is highly valued to ensure that Semporna remains peaceful and free from the threat of drugs,” he asserted, while also advising the youth to stay away from drug abuse, which can destroy their own future as well as negatively impact their family and community.
In a separate development on the same day, the District Police Headquarters (IPD) received a courtesy visit from Hj. Jamil Datuk Hj. Hamzah, Bugaya State Assemblyman. The meeting, held at the IPD Conference Room on February 27, was aimed to strengthen the strategic cooperative relationship between the people’s representative and the police force.
During the meeting, both parties discussed current security issues in Semporna, including crime prevention measures and efforts to enhance collaboration between the district police and community leadership.
Tan expressed his appreciation for the visit and hoped that this close cooperation would continue to be strengthened to ensure public safety and order are always maintained. The courtesy visit concluded with a photo session. – James Leong
Tan (third left), with Haji Jamil and his officials during the courtesy visit.
