KOTA KINABALU: A group of Palau were among those detained in a three-day integrated operation led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in the Beluran district that started on Thursday (July 13).
Esscom Commander Deputy Comm Victor Sanjos said on Saturday (July 15) that security forces found 27 people from the community travelling on public transport at the Sapi Nangoh road checkpoint.
“They were later handed over to the Immigration Department for the next course of action,” he said.
He said that 282 vehicles of various types were inspected and 661 people were screened in the operation, which was held at KM 70 off Jalan Beluran – Kampung Pamol.
“From the checks, 13 undocumented migrants, comprising Filipinos and Indonesians, were arrested.
We also seized a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) which we suspect was used to smuggle in undocumented migrants,” he said.
He added that the detainees and the MPV were also handed over to the immigration authorities.
DCP Sanjos said a man tested positive for methamphetamine and was detained by the Beluran police under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He also said that a total of 85 summonses were issued to motorists for various traffic offences.
“In our efforts to make the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) safe, Esscom, together with the police and army, once again decided to hold this operation,” said DCP Sanjos.
“These checks are aimed at curbing the smuggling of controlled or illicit goods, the entry of undocumented migrants as well as other enforcement duties at main routes that connect the West and East coast of Sabah,” he added.
DCP Sanjos said this operation is also monitoring rat trails that the authorities have identified as being used by criminals in Beluran.
Towards this end, he thanked the 111 officers and personnel members from the various government departments and agencies for their cooperation in the exercise.
“The success of this exercise was part of the government’s continued efforts through the Esscom Sanggah Operation which is targeted to enhance existing operations by the police, army and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in the Esszone,” he said.
He added Esscom will intensify similar operations in the other districts within the Esszone to thwart any element that could threaten the peace and safety in the area.
DCP Sanjos urged the public to forward information involving any security incident in the Esszone by contacting the Esscom operations centre at 089-863 181 or through the WhatsApp number 011-63311072.
