As the country is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Narcotics Control Bureau, NCB continues its efforts in ensuring the country and its people are free from the threat of drugs. Recently, NCB managed to foil another drug trafficking syndicate through ‘Operasi Black’. During the operations carried out from the 19th to 28th of September 2021, the NCB detained 12 individuals, nine men and three women aged between 20 and 53 years with one of them believed to be the syndicate’s leader.
The NCB also confiscated several packets believed to contain Syabu with a total weight of 55 grammes, digital scales and drug paraphernalia. Cash amounting to $1,163 believed to be drug trafficking proceeds was also confiscated.
In the operation, two individuals were detained while undergoing isolation at one of the National Isolation Centres. The NCB investigation found that both of them used Syabu while at the centre and one of them was also suspected of selling Syabu to patients at the National Isolation Centre. They obtained the drugs supply through a friend who sent a bag containing food and hid the drugs inside the food. The friend who sent the food containing the drugs was also arrested.
All arrests were made for NCB investigation under the following offences:
– Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, MDA , Chapter 27 for the possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
– Section 6A of MDA, Chapter 27 for the possession of controlled drugs;
– Section 6B of MDA, Chapter 27 for the consumption of controlled drugs;
– and Section 7 of MDA, Chapter 27 for the possession of items believed to be drug paraphernalia.
The NCB investigation found that the drug traffickers are still active in their illegal activities regardless of the spread and infection of the COVID-19 and the need to curb the pandemic problem in an integrated manner. Therefore, it is important for the people to unite and help the enforcement agencies to combat the illegal activities.
Source: Radio Television Brunei