Anti-drug ops: 36 held in Sandakan
Published on: Tue, May 06, 2025
By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: One of the drug hotspots raided during the operation. SANDAKAN: Some 36 individuals, including nine women, were arrested during a series of anti-drug operations (Ops Tapis Narkotik) carried out by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Sandakan District Police from April 25 to May 3. The integrated operations targeted several known hotspots around Sandakan, including Kg Sim Sim, Kg Mangkalinau, Kg Batu Putih, Bandar Letat Jaya, Bandar Ramai-Ramai, Sandakan town centre, PPR Taman Murni, STC Jetty Port, and surrounding plantation and hotel areas. Of those arrested, 27 men and nine women, ranging from teenagers to adults, were detained under various provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, including Sections 39B, 39A(1), 12(2), and 15(1)(a). Urine screenings revealed many tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine. On April 26 in Kg Disayang, one man and eight women tested positive for drug use. On May 2, seven men were arrested at STC Jetty Port, including one detained under Section 39A(1) for possession of drugs in large quantities. Another major case involved an arrest under Section 39B for drug trafficking, an offence carrying the mandatory death penalty. District Police Chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah said the operations reflect the police's continued commitment to tackling the drug menace. 'Ops Tapis is being carried out intensively as part of enforcement and prevention efforts to break the drug distribution chain in the district. We will continue to target hotspots and take firm action without compromise,' he said. All suspects are currently held at the Sandakan IPD lock-up for further investigation and legal action. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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