By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 1: Drug syndicates in Sarawak could face action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) as police step up efforts to tackle organised drug trafficking in the State.
According to TVS, Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said police had several groups on their radar, including those believed to be involved in drug trafficking, but declined to disclose their identities or numbers.
He said action under SOSMA would be considered if police obtained sufficient evidence to establish elements of organised crime.
“There is no tolerance for these syndicate crimes, terrorist crimes and drug activities. We will take action under SOSMA because drug activities are also offences that can be classified as serious offences for which we can take action under SOSMA,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief handover ceremony in Kuching today.
Mohamad Zainal said the approach was aimed at strengthening enforcement against organised crime groups and disrupting their operations more effectively.
He said the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) needed to adopt a more aggressive approach through preventive measures and enforcement to curb serious criminal activities.
“The CID has a heavy responsibility. Therefore, preventive measures and strong action must be taken against all serious criminal offences,” he said.
Mohamad Zainal also disclosed that police had previously taken action under SOSMA against one organised crime group, with the case currently awaiting trial.
He said the use of SOSMA could have a significant impact on organised crime, as individuals detained under the legislation are generally not eligible for bail, subject to the relevant legal provisions and circumstances.
He added that police would continue intensifying enforcement against organised crime groups and did not rule out the possibility of larger operations being conducted.
“Our main priority is for the community to feel safe when they are in Sarawak, so that we can build a more advanced and prosperous Sarawak,” he said. — DayakDaily
