By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 11: Samariang, Rampangi, Bintawa,Tabuan and the surrounding area of Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol have been identified as hotspots for drug activities in Kuching.
Kuching District police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah disclosed that from January to June this year, a total of 1,182 individuals were arrested for involvement in various criminal activities including drug distribution and abuse in Kuching District alone.
The police also seized various drugs weighing over three kilogrammes, including 1,661 Eramin pills and 708 psychotropic pills, with an estimated value of RM370,054.70.
“The Kuching District Police headquarters (IPD Kuching) is among the districts with highest number of arrests and charges.
“Of these, a total 1,146 investigation papers have been initiated with 952 cases, or 83 per cent, involving 963 arrests were charged,” he said in a press conference at IPD Kuching yesterday (June 10).
Ahsmon stressed that police analysis has found that 85 per cent of suspects arrested in various criminal activities, including home break-ins, theft of cables and vehicles, and burglary, possessed past criminal records related to drug abuse.
He revealed that home break-in and theft cases in Kuching district have surged by 119.61 per cent, with a total of 112 cases reported in the past six months of this year, resulting in a loss of about RM345,435.
“Cases have increased by 61 compared to 51 cases in the same period last year.
“From January to June of 2024, a total of 32 individuals have been arrested throughout the operations conducted in the hotspot areas of Jalan Sultan Tengah, Demak Laut, MetroCity and Semerah Padi. Of these, 14 cases have been charged and 37 cases have been completed. The total value of seizures amounted to RM32,152,” he said.
Ahsmon highlighted the need for public support and cooperation to halt the supply and flow of drugs into the community in order to curb drug activities in Kuching and Sarawak overall.
“We have deployed various strategies in efforts to curb narcotic criminal activities in Kuching. The police have also launched operations targeting repeat drug offenders with 28 suspects charged,” he said, warning that repeat offenders face imprisonment of between seven to 13 years if convicted.
Ahsmon urged the public to come forward and cooperate with the police if they have information on any criminal activities, including scams. Information may be channeled to the IPD Kuching Control Centre at 082-244444 or the nearest police stations. — DayakDaily
