LAHAD DATU: Four men were arrested, and 32.65 grammes of syabu valued at about RM3,586 were confiscated during a four-hour integrated operation around Lahad Datu on Thursday.
“Op Tapis”, which commenced around 9.00 am, was carried out by the District Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the State Contingent Police Headquarters Narcotics Department.
Acting on public intelligence, the team stopped a car in the parking lot along Jalan Dam. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 86 small packets containing 32.60g of syabu, concealed inside a black bag placed near the gear console. Two mobile phones and the car used by the suspects were also confiscated.
The two men found inside the vehicle were detained at the scene. They are being investigated under Section 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Hours later, the task force raided a rented room along Jalan Reno Fajar, Lorong 13. During the raid, another two men acting suspiciously were apprehended. A search of the premises uncovered 0.05g of syabu hidden inside a cigarette pack, along with a piece of tin foil and a modified straw intended for drug consumption.
Initial urine screening tests returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine for all four suspects. Further investigations also revealed that they have prior criminal records related to drug offences. The two suspects arrested in the room were being investigated under Sections 12(2) and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Meanwhile, OCPD ACP Dzulbaharin Haji Ismail stressed that the 32.65g seizure could have destroyed the futures of hundreds of drug abusers. He issued a stern warning that the police will not compromise with any individuals involved in drug trafficking or abuse within the district.
Members of the public with any information regarding drug-related crimes are urged to come forward and channel it to the Lahad Datu District Police Headquarters at 089-881222 or contact the emergency line at 999. The police assures that identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential. – James Leong
The crystalline substances confiscated by police in Lahad Datu on Thursday.
