Kampung jangsak: A significant breakthrough in the fight against drug trafficking was achieved when a 56-year-old local drug dealer and a 20-year-old foreign woman were arrested in a raid conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on June 15, 2026. The operation, dubbed 'Operasi Mule', led to the seizure of 930.05 grams of Syabu, valued at BND111,000, which could potentially supply at least nine thousand drug users.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the operation also uncovered BND120 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug trafficking, along with surveillance equipment such as closed-circuit cameras used to monitor authority movements in the area. Additionally, tools for packaging drugs, including transparent plastic bags, scissors, and a digital scale, as well as drug paraphernalia, were seized. The main suspect, previously imprisoned three times-the last for 20 years with 15 strokes of whipping for multiple offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27-continued his illicit activities upon release in 2020.
The investigation revealed that the suspect had expanded his operations, establishing an organized network of 'runners' or close associates to facilitate drug smuggling and trafficking. Authorities also discovered significant amounts of money, totaling BND56,562, in various bank accounts linked to the mastermind, including an account in his 87-year-old mother's name, allegedly used without her consent.
Both arrested individuals are being investigated under Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27, for possession of controlled drugs with intent to traffic, a charge that could result in the death penalty if convicted. The main suspect is also under investigation under Section 3 of the Criminal Assets Recovery Order, 2012. The NCB emphasized its commitment to dismantling drug syndicates and expressed gratitude for the cooperation of other agencies that contributed to the success of 'Operasi Mule'.