A suspected drug trafficker was arrested with more than 50 grammes of syabu, while 30 undocumented migrants were detained during the Integrated Op Tapis No. 1/2026 at Kampung Kurnia Jaya, Batu 4, Tawau.
The two-day operation conducted from July 7 to 8 also resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals for various offences related to drugs and ketum.
Tawau acting district police chief Superintendent Wilynton Enchana Watt said the operation was carried out by the Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD) Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division in collaboration with several enforcement agencies.
He said a total of 169 officers, personnel and staff from IPD Tawau, IPD Semporna, IPD Kunak, General Operations Force (PGA) Battalion 14 Tawau, Marine Police Force (PPM), Immigration Department, Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) took part in the operation.
“During the operation, police arrested a suspect under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for suspected drug trafficking and seized 50.35 grammes of syabu.
“Another individual was detained under Section 12(2) of the same Act after being found in possession of 0.24 grammes of syabu,” he said in a statement.
Wilynton said police also arrested a suspect under Section 30(3) of the Poisons Act 1952 after seizing nine litres of ketum liquid and 2,351.65 grammes of ketum powder.
He added that 28 individuals were detained under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for suspected drug abuse.
“Thirty-six individuals underwent urine screening, with 28 testing positive for drugs while eight others tested negative,” he said.
Meanwhile, 30 undocumented migrants were handed over to the Tawau Immigration Department for further action after they were believed to have committed offences under immigration laws.
The operation also saw JPJ Tawau issuing 66 summonses and notices for various traffic offences detected during the enforcement exercise.
Wilynton said police will continue strengthening integrated operations and enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse, while improving compliance with the law to ensure public safety and security in the district.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing information to police to assist in combating crime and illegal activities.
