The Narcotics Control Bureau, NCB has foiled a Methylamphetamine or syabu drug trafficking syndicate based in Brunei Darussalam. 29 suspects were detained in the operation dubbed ‘Pirates’ including a husband and wife identified as the masterminds who brought Syabu into the country.

The syndicate led by the married couple has been operating behind other individuals and have succeeded in making illegal profits from the distribution and smuggling of Syabu drugs and various contraband such as cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, vape devices and the liquids.

Initial investigation found the couple operating as an organised syndicate for smuggling activities from the neighbouring country. The main suspected tactic used by the couple along with several other individuals is to use a boat to go to sea for fishing while taking drug supplies and contraband through meetings with contacts from the neighbouring country.

Several residences and a farm in Belait District have been used to hide syabu supplies and various contraband. The 5-day ‘Pirates’ operation carried out on 24th July 2022 has detained 23 men and six women comprising locals and foreign nationals aged between 19 and 63.

The raids were carried out at 11 locations in Kampung Sungai Lalit, Kampung Agis-Agis, Kampung Panaga in Belait District, Kampung Jerudong, Kampung Rimba, Kampung Mentiri, Kampung Salambigar, Kampung Sungai Buloh, Kampung Serasa, Kampung Sungai Besar and Brunei International Airport in Brunei Muara District.

Overall, the NCB has seized 531.37 grammes of Syabu, cash amounting to $64,568 Brunei Dollars, $2,168 Singapore Dollars, $3,581 Malaysian Ringgit, $1.359 Indonesian Rupiah and 50 EUROs, believed to be proceeds of drug sales.

12 vehicles, 2 boats, a motorcycle, a drone, jewellery, drug paraphernalia and digital scales, several mobile phones believed to be used for drug transaction as well as fishing gears were also seized.

The confiscated Syabu drug is worth more than one hundred thousand dollars which can be used by 5 thousand 300 drug addicts. Also seized were customs’ contraband, namely several boxes of vape liquid, cartons of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks which have been handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further investigation.

All arrests are still being investigated by the NCB for the following offences:

– Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, MDA, Chapter 27 for possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking;

– Section 6(a) for the possession of controlled drugs;

– Section 6(b) for the consumption of controlled drugs;

– Section 7 for the possession of items believed to be drug paraphernalia;

– Section 10 for abetment to commit crime under MDA, Chapter 27;

– Section 3 of the Criminal Asset Recovery Order 2012 for money laundering.

The NCB emphasised that the activity of drug trafficking and abuse is the nation’s number one enemy that destroys society, especially the youth who are the country’s asset. In line with NCB’s vision of a drug-free community, NCB will continue to monitor, track and eliminate any drug syndicate that wants to make profit from the misery and destruction of society from drug abuse. N-C-B urged the public to play a role in ensuring that the country and community’s peace and harmony is maintained. The NCB also expressed its appreciation to the security intelligence and enforcement agencies in the country for their assistance and cooperation towards the success of the operation.

Source: Radio Television Brunei