Checks were conducted on over 50 house occupants during integrated spot checks in two locations in Mukim Kianggeh resulting in the confiscation of vaping products, liquor and cigarettes. Some were also nabbed for immigration violations, close proximity and the misuse of drugs.
The Law Enforcement Division of the Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD) officials questioned 10 foreign nationals leading to the arrest of three for failing to produce valid travel documents.
Meanwhile, another foreign national believed to have overstayed after his passport expired was also arrested.
Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) officials also arrested seven individuals for offences under the Excise Order 2006 for possessing prohibited items such as cigarettes, vape, vape flavours, pods and liquor. RCED confiscated the items. In another location, INRD officials questioned 11 foreign nationals and arrested two for failing to produce valid travel documents.
The Religious Enforcement Division (BPU) officials found one case of close proximity under the Syariah Criminal Penal Code Order, 2013.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials also arrested three individuals suspected of being involved in drug abuse activities. They were taken to the NCB Office for further investigation
Meanwhile, RCED officials arrested four others for offences under the Excise Order 2006 for possessing prohibited items such as cigarettes and liquor.
The operation is part of efforts to combat and curb activities violating the Sultanate’s laws and regulations.
The INRD carried out the operation with law enforcement agencies involving officers and members from the Joint Headquarters, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Internal Security Department, RCED, Labour Department, NCB and BPU, and units under the Royal Brunei Police Force – Brunei Interpol Unit, Human Trafficking Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department and Traffic Control and Investigation Department.
The INRD welcomes the public to provide information regarding immigration offenders by contacting 8734888 and 8753888 for Bandar Seri Begawan and 8984111 for Belait. – Azlan Othman
