Six local men were arrested during an anti-drug operation conducted by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division (BSJND) of the Penampang District Police Headquarters (IPD) with assistance from BSJND Kota Kinabalu in an operation carried out across several locations from Monday night into early Wednesday morning.
The operation, known as Ops Tapis, was carried out at a café, entertainment outlets around Damas 118 Plaza, Kepayan Point and a condominium unit in Nosoob. It specifically targeted drug abuse and possession activities in the area.
Penampang District Police Chief Superintendent Sammy Newton said all suspects, aged between 27 and 40, were detained under suspicion of offences under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Police also seized liquid substances believed to be MDMA or psilocybin weighing 20.5 millilitres with an estimated value of RM360, as well as 5.41 grammes of cannabis valued at about RM120, bringing the total seizure to RM480.
He said initial investigations indicated that one of the suspects is believed to be a supplier to several individuals arrested during the same operation.
Following intelligence obtained from earlier arrests, police later detained another suspect along with a small amount of suspected drug liquid before conducting a follow-up raid at a condominium, which led to the discovery of cannabis and the arrest of two additional suspects.
Drug screening tests revealed that five out of the six suspects tested positive for THC, while one tested negative. Checks also found that several suspects had prior drug-related records.
The case is being investigated under Sections 12(2) and 12(3) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for possession of dangerous drugs, Section 6 for possession of cannabis, and Section 15(1)(a) for drug use.
Police in Penampang said enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified, particularly in entertainment venues, business premises, cafés and identified hotspots for drug-related activities.
Members of the public with information on drug trafficking or abuse have been urged to come forward to assist authorities in combating drug-related crime and ensuring community safety.
