TAWAU: Police arrested eight individuals in a series of separate operations conducted in Tawau and Lahad Datu on July 17, involving offences ranging from rape and burglary to illegal crude palm oil (CPO) storage and drug-related crimes.
In Tawau, a 66-year-old local man was arrested for allegedly raping a girl with disabilities who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The suspect was apprehended at a house in Kampung Ranggu, Batu 10, Jalan Apas, after police received a report on the incident. The victim was taken to Tawau Hospital for medical treatment after her adopted son reported that she had complained of pain.
The case is being investigated under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code.
Acting OCPD Supt. Wilynton Enchana Watt urged the public to refrain from speculating on the case, saying such actions could interfere with ongoing investigations and compromise the victim’s privacy. He added that police would continue intensifying crime prevention patrols and called on the public to provide information on criminal activities.
In a separate case, the Tawau Police Station Strike Team arrested a 41-year-old local man in Kampung Vietnam on suspicion of involvement in a house burglary.
Police recovered several items believed to have been stolen, including a backpack, sports apparel, an extension socket and football boots. The suspect, who was found behaving suspiciously, also has previous records involving theft, drug offences and illegal gambling.
The case is being investigated under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, the State Marine Police arrested two individuals and seized a 38-tonne lorry carrying approximately 30,000 litres of crude palm oil (CPO), along with several storage drums, during an operation at a premises in Kampung Nasib Kita, Balung.
The total value of the seizure is estimated at more than RM400,000. The case is being investigated under Regulation 5(1)(d) of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Licensing) Regulations 2005.
In Lahad Datu, the District Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID), together with the Sabah NCID contingent headquarters, arrested four individuals during Op Tapis conducted at several locations.
A 47-year-old man was arrested by the roadside in Kampung Bangkuruan after police found 0.15 grammes of syabu, estimated to be worth RM10.
Another suspect, a 28-year-old man, was detained at the District Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division office after testing positive for drugs.
Police also arrested a 45-year-old man at Fajar Centre for allegedly possessing 87.88 grammes of compressed cannabis, valued at approximately RM1,000, which is believed to have been sent by post from Peninsular Malaysia.
A 43-year-old woman was also detained in Kampung Bakau Baru to assist in the investigation.
All suspects have previous drug-related records. The cases are being investigated under Sections 12(2), 15(1)(a) and 39A(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. – James Leong
The two individuals nabbed by the marine police in Kampung Nasib Kita, Tawau.
