KOTA KINABALU: Thirty-three illegals from the Philippines were detained in an integrated nine-hour operation earlier today.
Ten men, 10 women and nine minors aged between nine months to sixty years old were rounded up during a series of raids held at eight locations in Manggatal, Telipok and Inanam from 1am to 10am.
The areas had been earmarked by authorities due to a spike in criminal activities and could likely turned into hubs for drug trafficking.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief Assistant Commissioner M. Chandra in a statement said operations were led by the district police, and saw inspections held at among others workers quarters, squatters and a garbage disposal areas.
“We inspected 72 people during the raids. The operation focused on areas where crime rates have increased and has the potential to become lairs for criminals or drug trafficking activities.
“All arrested have been brought to the district central lock-up after documentation process.”