A total of 20 individuals, aged between 18 and 52, were arrested in Operation Ursa Heal 2, conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in collaboration with the Internal Security Department and the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) on March 18.
The joint operation, involving 164 personnel, targeted drug traffickers and users in the RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang in Tutong District. It followed previous operations carried out in June and July 2024.
During the operation, authorities seized 19.33 grammes of syabu, along with various equipment believed to be used for drug trafficking and abuse.
These included modified drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone suspected to be used in drug distribution and packaging tools such as a digital weighing scale, empty transparent plastic packets and scissors.
One of the suspects is being investigated under Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27, for possession of controlled drugs for trafficking. If convicted, the individual faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane, with a minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and five strokes. The suspect is a repeat offender with an ongoing pending case.
Further inspections at the scene also led to the discovery of prohibited items, including several cartons of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vapes) and vape juice. These have been handed over to RCED for further investigation.
NCB reaffirmed its commitment to conducting joint operations to combat drug-related crimes, particularly in areas identified as drug hotspots. The bureau also emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards drug offences and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone involved in drug abuse and trafficking. – Fadley Faisal
