One of the roadblocks set up during the inter-agency operation on Saturday night.

 The inaugural inter-agency operation to combat drug abuse in Sarawak saw seven youths detained after testing positive for drugs.

Led by the state National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), ‘Ops Cegah’ also involved personnel from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), police, state Health Department, National Integration and Unity Department, state Security Unit and Kampung Astana Lot Neighbourhood Watch Committee.

“A total of 32 individuals were tested during this operation. Seven were found positive for drugs. Each of them (the seven) will be investigated under Section 83A or Section 83B (Dangerous Drugs Act 1952),” state AADK Prevention Unit deputy director Devan Arup told reporters after the operation around Masja area here, which ran from 9.30pm to 11.30pm on Saturday.

The seven suspects are all above 21 years old, comprising six Malays and one Bidayuh. The AADK had chosen Masja for the inter-agency operation based on data collected on drug abuse there.

Throughout the two-hour operation, JPJ mounted road blocks at Jalan Astana and Jalan Bako in the vicinity of both junctions heading into Masja, assisted by state AADK personnel and officers from various agencies.

Once the suspects had been identified, they were brought to the Royal Malaysia Customs headquarters for urine and blood testing to detect drugs and HIV.

During the roadblocks led by the state JPJ Enforcement Unit chief Marhaninis Nasren, 52 summonses were issued – mostly for expired road tax and driving licence.

Devan reminded the public to reach out to AADK should they suspect any of their family members or friends were abusing drugs.

“We (AADK) have a ‘Cure and Care’ service centres in Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Miri and Limbang for drug users to undergo rehabilitation,” he added.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by The Borneo Post

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