Kota Kinabalu: A couple suspected to be transporters for a drug syndicate was arrested with 12.5kg of drugs worth RM402,702 during a police operation last Saturday.
The couple, aged 31 and 38, were arrested at 1.20pm at the Tawau post office by a team from the Sabah police contingent headquarters’ Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said officers had been monitoring the suspects and saw them arriving in a car.
“The male suspect was seen collecting two suspicious boxes from the post office and placing them in the trunk of a vehicle.
“Our team immediately detained both for further investigation.
“Upon inspection, the boxes were found to contain five smaller boxes and eight plastic packages filled with substances believed to be drugs, with a total gross weight of 12,585.28gm,” he told a press conference after officiating the 218th Police Day celebration at IPK Sabah, Tuesday.
Jauteh said initial investigations indicate that the couple was acting as transporters by collecting drug shipments before delivering them to designated recipients.
“Drug syndicates in the State continue to use courier services and air transport to smuggle supplies into targeted areas.
“We will intensify efforts to curb drug distribution through collaboration with various agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), which conducts scans on these shipments. I have also instructed the JSJN Chief to engage with courier companies and relevant authorities to address this issue,” said Jauteh.
Jauteh noted that arrests and drug seizures in January and February this year showed a decline compared to the same period last year.
“However, drug seizures in March saw a significant increase, with two major operations conducted in Penampang and Tawau,” he said.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with Police Day, Jauteh expressed his appreciation to media practitioners for their role in supporting the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in raising public awareness and providing vital publicity.
“The media plays a crucial role in informing the public and fostering awareness, helping us ensure a safer and more peaceful society.
“I believe the collaboration between journalists and PDRM is evident in the latest crime statistics. From January to February this year, compared to the same period last year, there has been a reduction of 139 criminal cases.
“This decline is a testament to increased public awareness and cooperation,” he added.
