The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) thwarted an attempt by an international drug syndicate to use Brunei Darussalam as a transit hub for illicit substances.
The operation codenamed ‘Blockade’ was launched in early November.
It uncovered a plot to smuggle drugs from Brunei to countries in the Middle East, Europe, East Asia and Australia. The syndicate is believed to operate from the Americas.
Using virtual office rental services in Brunei, the syndicate concealed drugs within speakers and computers, rerouting packages to other countries via courier services. The tactic aimed to obscure the true origin of the shipments. Investigations revealed attempts to recruit locals to assist in the operations.
Through collaboration with courier companies and virtual office providers, NCB intercepted air packages containing 36.73 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, valued at approximately USD477,000 (BND 640,600) on the international market. This is the largest drug seizure in Brunei’s history, surpassing the 19-kilogramme seizure during Operation Musang King in 2020.
NCB has enlisted support from regional and international agencies including the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, to identify and apprehend those behind the syndicate.
The bureau expressed gratitude to enforcement agencies and the public for their cooperation in combating drug-related crimes at both national and global levels. – Fadley Faisal
