Kota Kinabalu: The State Government contributed two four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Sabah Police Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor presented a replica key to Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail during a ceremony held at the Sabah Police Contingent Headquarters Drill Field.
In his speech, Mohd Khalid expressed appreciation to the State Government, describing the contribution as timely and significant in enhancing police operations, particularly in tackling drug-related crimes.
“On behalf of PDRM and the entire JSJN team, I would like to record our highest appreciation to the Sabah State Government, especially the Chief Minister, for the continued support and commitment in combating narcotics crimes,” he said.
He noted that logistical constraints, including ageing operational vehicles, had posed challenges in ensuring smooth field operations.
The approval and handover of the two 4WD vehicles, which was granted by the State Government on Nov 27 last year, would provide renewed momentum to enforcement efforts.
Sabah’s strategic geographical position, bordering Indonesia and the Philippines makes it vulnerable to cross-border syndicates, large-scale drug smuggling and other transnational crimes, he said.
To strengthen efforts against increasingly complex narcotics threats, Mohd Khalid highlighted the establishment of the Sabah Narcotics Nucleus Secretariat (SNN) in Sandakan in 2019 through strategic cooperation between JSJN and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The DEA’s contribution of a building valued at approximately USD750,000 (about RM3 million) reflected international confidence in PDRM’s professionalism and capability in combating drug crimes, he added.
The SNN Sabah coordinates intelligence and joint operations with regional enforcement partners, including Indonesia’s National Police (POLRI), Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency (BNN), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and agencies in Brunei Darussalam.
“With the handover of these vehicles, we are confident they will be fully utilised to enhance JSJN’s operational efficiency, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and in strengthening intelligence and enforcement against drug smuggling activities in Sabah,” he said.
Mohd Khalid emphasised that ensuring safety and wellbeing in Sabah is a shared responsibility and reaffirmed PDRM’s commitment to carrying out its duties with integrity, professionalism and dedication.
Also present were Science, Technology, Innovation and Education Minister Datuk James Ratib, State Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun and Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department Director CP Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, along with senior officers from Bukit Aman.
