By William Isau
SIBU, Aug 1: The police arrested 32 individuals for suspected drug-related violations during a special operation carried out by the narcotics team from July 27 to 29.
Sibu district police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the operation, which was conducted simultaneously throughout the State, was the fifth since January this year.
The suspects comprised of 25 local men and five local women as well as a foreign national couple.
“Of the total arrests, five individuals (a local man, two local women and foreign national couple) aged between 28 and 59 were arrested under Section 6b of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for suspected involvement in cannabis cultivation at Sungai Bidut recently.
“The offense provides for a life imprisonment and not less than six lashes, if convicted,” he said.
Zulkipli reported that another five local men were apprehended under Section 12(2) of the same Act for alleged possession of a total of 0.96 grammes of methamphetamine.
“Preliminary screening tests on all the suspects found them to be positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
“The five men will face a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years or both, if convicted,” he explained.
Meanwhile, 21 individuals including three local women were arrested under section 15(1)(a) of the same Act. They also tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
Zulkipli said all those who test positive for drugs will face a maximum prison sentence of two years or a fine of RM5,000 and police supervision for no more than three years, if convicted.
A total of 10 individuals including the foreign national couple are still being remanded to assist in police investigations, while the rest have been released on police bail.
“The special screening operation is an effort by the police to combat drug activities in Sibu,” he added.
Zulkipli urged the public to cooperate with the police by chanelling any drug-related information to the Sibu Police Department at 084-322222. — DayakDaily
