KOTA KINABALU: Two suspected addicts, a man and a woman in their 20s, were arrested by Penampang police in a drug bust that led to the seizure of methamphetamine valued at around RM16,000.
The suspects were detained at approximately 3:30pm on Thursday (Oct 31) when officers from the Penampang district’s Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department discovered 10 transparent plastic packets containing a total of 501.29 grams of crystal-like substances, believed to be methamphetamine, commonly known as syabu.
Penampang District Police Chief Supt Sammy Newton confirmed that both individuals tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine in preliminary urine screenings. They are currently in remand as investigations continue.
The case is being investigated under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which imposes a mandatory death penalty or life imprisonment, along with a minimum of 15 lashes if the death penalty is not applied.
“The suspects are also under investigation for drug misuse under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,” Newton stated in a statement on Friday (Nov 1).
He also urged the public to stay clear of drug-related activities and to assist law enforcement by serving as “the eyes and ears” of the police to help curb drug misuse in the community.