Drug syndicates are believed to be recruiting youths in the district as runners to facilitate their activities.
Beaufort District Police Chief Supt Champin Piuh said this came to light following the arrest of a 20-year-old local in front of Awang Enterprise shoplots, Kampung Bingkul, recently.
He said a check on the male suspect found a substance believed to be syabu weighing 0.10gm, and the suspect was taken to Beaufort Police Station for further investigation.
“Investigations show the suspect is believed to have been recruited by individuals involved in drug abuse and trafficking activities, with the possibility that youths are being used in drug distribution,” he said.
Champin advised parents to closely monitor their children’s movements and social circles to prevent them from becoming victims or being involved in drug trafficking activities in Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Membakut and Weston.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and the suspect was being held at the Beaufort Police Station lock-up to assist in investigations.
Following the arrest, police have identified individuals believed to be behind drug distribution activities in the Beaufort area, with further enforcement action and arrests expected.
Meanwhile, in Kuala Penyu, a 56-year-old local was arrested during a joint raid by Kuala Penyu police and the Beaufort District Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division at a house in Kampung Tempurung.
Champin said a urine screening test found the male suspect to be positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine.
The case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and the suspect was detained at the Beaufort Police Station lock-up to assist in investigations.
In a separate operation at Lumat Centre, Beaufort, police arrested another local man suspected of possessing syabu.
Police seized a substance believed to be syabu weighing 9.44g, hidden inside a cigarette box in the suspect’s possession.
Champin said the suspect was taken to Beaufort District Police Headquarters for further action, and the case was being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
He added that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) remained committed to combating drug abuse and trafficking activities to ensure public safety, wellbeing and harmony.
