Another drug trafficking syndicate was successfully foiled by the Narcotics Control Bureau, NCB through a series of operations called ‘Ice Sibling’. With the involvement of 145 NCB operations officers, a series of raids were carried out simultaneously in several areas in Brunei Muara District, namely in STKRJ Rimba, Mentiri, Kiulap, Jangsak, Jerudong and Junjongan and were also extended to Temburong District. In the operation conducted over the past month, 23 individuals linked to the syndicate were arrested, comprising 20 men and 3 women aged between 14 and 62.
According to the NCB press release, the drug trafficking syndicate was masterminded by two brothers with their family network based in Brunei Muara District and operates up to Belait District using rental houses as storage and ‘hub’ operations for distribution activities.
During the operation, NCB managed to seize several plastic packets believed to contain ‘syabu’ with a total weight of about 33 grams and drug paraphernalia. The drugs were stored and distributed in several houses rented by the syndicate’s main suspect.
Also seized were assets believed to be from drug trafficking activities, namely eight vehicles, several jewelleries, electronic devices and cash money amounting to almost $26,000. All arrests will be investigated under the Drug Abuse Act, Chapter 27 and Criminal Asset Recovery Order 2012.
Investigation by NCB found that the family syndicate involved was operating on a small scale and expanded its network of sales and distribution activities with syndicates that had been previously foiled by NCB. The NCB will continue to trace and eradicate drugs syndicate networks to protect the community from falling into social ills, specifically during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Hence, NCB will continue to monitor the drugs situation in the country and warns that stern action will be taken upon any individuals or groups involved in the illicit activity.
Source: Radio Television Brunei