Jobless man suspected of trafficking syabu worth RM50,000 nabbed at Merapok border post

LAWAS (Jan 15): Police arrested a 49-year-old unemployed man at the Merapok Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex after discovering 252.33 grammes of a substance believed to be syabu worth RM50,000 in his possession.

Lawas police chief DSP Liong Tindan said Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) personnel stopped the suspect’s vehicle at 6.45am as it entered the district from Sabah.

“Upon inspection, police found and seized five plastic packets of various sizes containing clear and blue crystal substances suspected to be syabu, with a total gross weight of 252.33 grammes valued at approximately RM50,000,” he said in a statement.

Liong said a urine test on the suspect returned positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Initial investigations revealed the man was driving alone from Kota Kinabalu to Lawas.

A criminal record check showed he had no prior offences.

The suspect is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment upon conviction. Those sentenced to life imprisonment will also receive no less than 15 strokes of the cane.

He is also being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the same Act, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM5,000 and imprisonment of up to two years, or both, as well as two years’ supervision under Section 38B.

A remand application will be made by the investigating officer on Friday for this non-bailable case.

Liong added the police, particularly NCID, will continue intensifying its battle against drug trafficking and abuse.

He urged those with information on drug activities to contact the NCID hotline on 012-2087222 (NCID Bukit Aman), 017-59292211 (NCID Sarawak), or go to the nearest police station.