JOHOR BARU: Johor police have conducted a special operation to eradicate drug activities at 13 people's housing projects (PPR) in the state.

       Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said Ops Sarang Khas 1.0 was to take action against those involved in drug activities, including drug traffickers and hard-core addicts.

       "So far, Ops Sarang Khas 1.0 is being held at PPR Larkin and PPR Sri Stulang and so far, we have arrested 46 suspects, aged between 30 and 70, including two women," he said, adding that among those arrested were a married couple in their 30s.

       Comm Ayob said this during a press conference after taking part in Ops Sarang Khas 1.0 carried out at PPR Larkin here on Saturday (Nov 6).

       He expected the number of those arrested to increase as the state police continue to hold such operations frequently to eradicate drug activities in PPR flats.

       "We believe that other crimes such as snatch thefts and break-ins will see a drop as those involved are drug addicts," he added.

       Meanwhile, in an unrelated matter, Comm Ayob said police arrested a 29-year-old Bangladeshi national for making a remark that touched upon religious sensitivities.

       He said the police received a report in Muar on Friday (Nov 5) about a viral video where the suspect made a statement that involved Hindus, Muslims and Deepavali celebrations that could threaten public order.

       "Police arrested the suspect on the same day the report was lodged and we found the foreigner on Jalan Kempas Batu 7 1/2 near Jalan Bakri in Muar.

       Comm Ayob said the suspect was remanded for 14 days and checks found that he had overstayed in this country as his permit had expired.

       He added that the case was being investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code, Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 15(1)(C) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.