SABAH TO FIGHT AGAINST ANY ATTEMPT TO TURN STATE INTO DRUG TRANSIT POINT

TUARAN, Feb 15  (Bernama) -- Sabah will take firm action against any attempt to turn the state into a transit point for drug trafficking or to target its people as consumers in the illicit drug market.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state’s tough stance follows the recent success of authorities in dismantling an international drug syndicate operating in Sabah, underscoring their unwavering commitment to combating drug-related crimes.

He stressed that the state government views drug trafficking as a serious threat and will not compromise with any individuals or groups involved in such activities.

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“I have contacted the Inspector-General of Police (Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail) to ensure strict action is taken against the cartels and syndicates involved. We cannot allow Sabah to become a transit point or hub for drug trafficking,” he said.

Hajiji was speaking to reporters after opening the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) Kitchen Garden Tour programme here today.

Also present were MAFFI Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.

He emphasised that enforcement efforts must be strengthened through comprehensive cooperation among agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and the Malaysian Immigration Department.

The Chief Minister also called for tighter controls at all entry points into the state to curb smuggling and drug trafficking activities effectively.

“Sabah must not be allowed to become a transit state for trafficking. I commend the PDRM for their success in arresting those involved and curbing drug trafficking activities in Sabah,” he said.

Last Friday, the PDRM, in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, seized various types of drugs in several locations across the state under Op Coleoptera and Op Bayu 2, with the haul estimated to be worth more than RM240 million.

-- BERNAMA