Esscom spearheads large scale operation in Semporna

KOTA KINABALU: An large-scale integrated operation led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) saw more than 300 people screened for various criminal offences in the Semporna district.

Officers and personnel from various agencies and departments conducted checks on land and at sea to curb activities that involved cross-border crimes, smuggling, narcotics as well as illegal immigrants on Wednesday (Nov 8).

Esscom commander Deputy Comm Datuk Victor Sanjos said they screened a total of 352 people and inspected 16 homes in the process.

From the total, he said, 29 people were initially detained for documentation purposes.

Security personnel combing a settlement area in Semporna

“All were later released except for three undocumented migrants originating from the Philippines who were caught residing in the country without any valid documents,” he said, in a statement here on Thursday (Nov 9).

Besides the trio, he said, the police also arrested two people after they tested positive for drugs.

DCP Sanjos said 165 officers and personnel were involved in the operation, adding they were from multiple agencies such as the police, General Operations Force, army, Joint Task Force, Rela, National Registration Department and Semporna District Office, among others.

He said all these state and federal agencies showed great commitment to prevent the intrusion of foreign elements and subsequently ensure safety in Sabah east coast.

“Such operations will also improve aspects such as the state economy, tourism as well as investments and local entrepreneurship. Thus, Esscom will intensify such initiatives in future,” he said.

DCP Sanjos urged the people to channel information pertaining to activities that could undermine the peace in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) to the Esscom operations centre at 089-863 181 or through the WhatsApp line 011-63311072.