Two foreign nationals were arrested in separate operations after allegedly being found in possession of suspected syabu in Kampung Sejati 1 here yesterday, with police also seizing a total of 5.53 grammes of the suspected drug.
The operations were conducted by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division of the Semporna District Police Headquarters following intelligence and information on suspected drug-related activities in the area. Anti-drug enforcement efforts have been consistently intensified in identified hotspots to curb the spread of substance abuse within local communities.
Semporna district police chief Superintendant Tan Hiap Wah said the first arrest took place at about 10.55am, when a 22-year-old foreign man was detained. A transparent plastic packet containing 0.19 grammes of suspected syabu was found during the inspection. Law enforcement authorities often rely on targeted surveillance and community intelligence to detect such offences at an early stage.
The suspect is being investigated under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug possession. Cases involving even small quantities of controlled substances are taken seriously under Malaysian law due to their link to wider trafficking networks.
In a second operation at 4pm at the same location, police detained another foreign national aged 49. A body search uncovered 5.34 grammes of suspected syabu. Such coordinated enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug distribution activities at the grassroots level.
The suspect was subsequently taken to the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division office at the Semporna district police headquarters for further action and is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries heavier penalties for more serious drug-related offences.
Tan stressed that police will not compromise with any individuals involved in drug abuse or trafficking activities, regardless of nationality or background. He added that enforcement operations will continue to be stepped up to ensure drug-related crimes are effectively contained.
He also urged members of the public to continue channelling information on drug-related activities to the authorities, as community cooperation remains crucial in maintaining Semporna as a safe and drug-free district.
