SOSMA can be used in serious drug offences

KUCHING, Sept. 18: The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) can be applied to certain drug offences categorized as serious crimes, particularly those involving organized criminal activities.

Managing Director of PDRM Bukit Aman embraced Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, however, said its use was subject to the type of offences listed under the act.

"Not all criminal offences can be prosecuted by SOSMA because the law has a schedule that sets out the types of offences that can be prosecuted", he said at a successful press conference of the Drug Crime Investigation Department here today.

He said among the offences that could be subjected to SOSMA were certain drug offenses which carry a prison sentence of 10 years or more.

He said that the non-qualified offences could not be imposed on SOSMA, but action under other legal provisions could still be taken.

"If there is a need to include other offences under SOSMA, amendments must first be made through the process in Parliament", he said.