The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted operation ‘Tupai’ on May 20 targeting a drug trafficking syndicate operating in the Belait district.
The NCB detained 16 individuals, including local residents aged 23 to 60, suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and abuse.
The syndicate was led by a 60-year-old local resident who had been actively involved in drug abuse and trafficking for a long time. Despite being frequently detained by the NCB for drug trafficking and having been sentenced to prison by the court, he continued his involvement in drug trafficking.
The main modus operandi of the individual was to conduct drug trafficking activities in a nomadic manner, not staying in one place to confuse the NCB.
The suspect was known to increase drug trafficking activities in the Belait District by taking advantage of the downfall of other syndicates that had been dismantled previously, such as operations ‘Pirates’ and ‘Sai-Gone’.
As a result of the operation, NCB seized a total of 59.13 grammes (g) of methylamphetamine (syabu) and 1.28g of cannabis (ganja). The seized syabu was estimated to be worth more than BND10,000 in the local market and could sustain at least 590 drug addicts. The operation also saw the seizure of cash amounting to BND681 believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking, drug paraphernalia, and tools believed to be used for drug packaging such as digital scales, scissors, and empty transparent packets.
The main suspect and his selling network will face charges under Section 3A of the Misuse of Drug Act, Chapter 27 for the offence of possessing controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking, which, if convicted with the quantity of drugs seized, carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and 15 whippings, or a minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and five whippings. – Fadley Faisal
