KUCHING: The Sarawak government will allocate a special fund to the One Stop Committee to address drugs and substance abuse issues (OCS-MIDS) to acquire high-tech equipment in its efforts to combat drug smuggling activities.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg said the OSC, which also comprises the police, the Customs Department, and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), will be equipped with the latest technology to detect drug smuggling into Sarawak through airports, thanks to the allocation provided.
With the procurement of the high-tech equipment, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has high hopes that the authorities will be able to curb drug distribution activities from abroad, which use the state as a transit point before the contraband is smuggled into neighbouring countries.
"Previously, many of our domestic airports were not equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to detect drugs.
"With this allocation from the Sarawak government, I hope monitoring can be carried out more effectively," he told reporters after attending a special narcotics forum here today.
Present was State Women, Children and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Also in attendance were Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department Datuk Seri Khaw Kok Chin and Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata.
Meanwhile, Ayob said the police have received RM1.7 million from the Sarawak government to acquire Instant Visual Drug Detectors (IVDD) and handheld backscatter equipment.
"At the moment, Sarawak has 19 units of this equipment obtained through allocation provided by the state government," he said.
In addition to the use of the latest equipment, Ayob said 13 more district police headquarters in Sarawak now have Narcotics Crime Investigation Departments.
This brings the number of district police headquarters in the state with officers and policemen dedicated to handle drug cases to 28.
"The police have also set up a Narcotics Nucleus Secretariat at the Tebedu police station in the Serian division to facilitate monitoring of drug smuggling activities across the border.
"The secretariat is operated by the Bukit Aman International Narcotics Division, and we are reviewing plans to establish similar offices at other main entry and exit routes into Sarawak," he added.