Sabah cops arrest eight in anti-drug operation

KOTA KINABALU: Eight locals, including a woman, were arrested in an anti-drug operation codenamed "Ops Sarang", on early Sunday morning (May 19).

The operation, which aimed to stamp out drug distribution and abuse in hotspots around the city, was conducted by a team of four senior officers and 29 personnel from the state and district police headquarters at around 12.30am.

Kota Kinabalu acting police chief Supt George Abd Rakman said that the police inspected 29 individuals during the operation in Kg Sembulan here.

Of that number, eight were arrested for various drug offences. The suspects were aged between 18 and 50.

"The operation was carried out based on intel and tip-offs from the public about locations identified as drug haunts.

"Though the operation went on without a hitch, we will continue to intensify efforts to combat drug distribution and abuse for the wellness and safety of the city," he added.

In another case, police issued six summonses for various traffic offences, including driving with expired road tax, as well as driving under the influence under an operation called "Op Mabuk" on Sunday.

The team of 15 police personnel led by one senior policeman inspected 43 individuals during a roadblock at Kota Kinabalu city between 1am and 4am.

Supt George said enforcement will be carried out continuously to ensure that road users abide by the law, as well as to prevent motorists from driving under the influence.