A suspected drug dealer was arrested after allegedly ramming a car while attempting to escape from police in Jalan Penampang Baru early this morning.
The 26-year-old suspect, who was driving a Perodua Axia, is also alleged to have acted aggressively and struggled with police officers before he was eventually restrained.
Sabah Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief Assistant Commissioner Alhusin Halil said the operation was carried out by officers and personnel from the Sabah police contingent’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department after they detected the vehicle, which was suspected to be linked to drug distribution and abuse.
He said police attempted to stop the vehicle at about 2.15am, but the suspect allegedly rammed a Proton Saga that was blocking his path as he tried to flee.
“After the vehicle was stopped, the suspect once again attempted to escape and acted aggressively, resulting in a struggle with police personnel before he was arrested,” he said when contacted today.
Alhusin said preliminary questioning of the suspect led police to a transparent container containing several plastic packets believed to hold ecstasy.
Further inspection uncovered 11 silver-coloured plastic packets containing a powder suspected to be ecstasy, with a total weight of 370.74 grammes.
Police also seized the Perodua Axia and an iPhone 15 Pro believed to be linked to the investigation.
The suspect, who works as a tour bus driver, was taken along with the seized items to the Penampang District Police Headquarters Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division for further action.
Alhusin said investigations were continuing to identify the source of the drugs and track down other individuals who may have been involved in the suspected drug trafficking operation.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
