KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Customs has ramped up its efforts to combat the growing drug trade, recording significant successes in recent months.

In a sweeping crackdown, the department successfully recorded 163 drug-related cases and seized a variety of narcotics, highlighting the region's role as a crucial front in Malaysia's war on drugs.

The department’s enhanced enforcement operations have led to the arrest of seven individuals, all locals aged between 19 and 53 years old, for their involvement in smuggling activities.

Assistant director-general of Customs for the Sabah zone, Siti Mang, revealed that alongside drug busts, customs officials intercepted large quantities of contraband, including 555.60l of alcohol, 146,650 cigarettes, and 1,600g of tobacco, with a combined street value exceeding RM183,000.

However, the most alarming aspect of the crackdown lies in the scale of the drug seizures.

Authorities confiscated an array of illegal substances, including cannabis, ecstasy, ketamine, and psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms), with an estimated value of RM440,027.

In addition, Customs successfully intercepted nearly three tonnes of ketum leaves and powder, a substance increasingly trafficked in the region.

“The persistence of smuggling operations poses a serious threat not only to public health and safety but to national security,” Siti Mang said.

She noted that smugglers have adopted more sophisticated methods to evade detection, such as concealing drugs in hidden locations within business premises or using courier and public transport services to distribute contraband.

The department's efforts mark significant progress in Sabah’s battle against drug trafficking, but authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Siti encouraged the public to share information through the Customs toll-free hotline at 1-800-88-8855, assuring that all informants’ identities would be kept confidential, underscoring the critical role that community support plays in maintaining security.

While the Customs continues to stem the tide of smuggling, the department’s resolve remains clear - to protect the nation's well-being by ensuring that no prohibited substances slip through the cracks.

As the pressure mounts on smugglers, Sabah’s Customs officers are doubling down on efforts to safeguard the state from the far-reaching consequences of drug and contraband trafficking.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/17/sabah-customs-intensifies-fight-against-smuggling-with-sweeping-crackdown