KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has been identified as one of the main drug trafficking transit points to other countries in the region.
Bukit Aman Narcotics Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin said this is due to the strategic geographical factors with Sabah bordering several countries which makes it a preferred location for syndicates to send their illegal items across.
They can either choose land, sea or even backdoor routes for their illegal activities, he said after a working visit to the General Operations Force (GOF) headquarters in Kinarut near here, Tuesday (Jan 14).
He said apart from that, Sabah is among the states contributing to the highest cases of drug abuse in the country, although not the most.
On this note, Comm Khaw said cops have identified several hotspots for these criminal activities namely Tawau, Sandakan, Semporna and the islands around these places.
He said most of the drugs do not come directly from peninsula Malaysia but from the Golden Triangle region from the north, before being sent to Sabah for local and international markets.
“The rising prices of drugs such as Syabu in the international market are among the main reasons for these activities to continue,” he said.
Giving an example, Comm Khaw said the price of syabu per kg in Malaysia is between RM33,000 and RM35,000, whereas the price can soar to RM450,000 per kg in the international market.
Touching on operations to combat drug abuse, he said security forces are planning a huge integrated crackdown that uses technology such as drones for better monitoring.
“Sabah is not only an important transit point but also a marketplace supply for drugs locally,” he said.
“We believe with the cooperation of three main enforcement agencies with the assistance from PGA and marine police, more actions can be taken,” said Comm Khaw.
He said continued efforts were being taken to curb this crime for the sovereignty of this nation.
