The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted Operasi Tokan in December 2024, targeting a drug trafficking syndicate led by a 51-year-old local man with prior offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27.
The syndicate leader was involved in distributing methylamphetamine (syabu) in Tutong District and supplying it to drug dealers in the Tutong and Belait districts.
He also recruited several runners to procure drugs from a neighbouring country.
On December 3, 2024, Operasi Tokan intercepted two local individuals attempting to smuggle 501.41 grammes (g) of syabu into the Sultanate via the Sungai Tujoh Control Post.
The drugs were concealed in the vehicle’s engine compartment to evade detection by NCB officers.
Follow-up operations were conducted on December 3 and 8, 2024 in the Tutong District, resulting in the arrest of six more locals involved in the syndicate.
The ringleader was apprehended during a raid at a rented house in the Belait District on December 19, 2024.
On the same day, NCB raided two additional locations in the district, arresting nine other individuals linked to the network.
In total, the operation detained 14 locals and four permanent residents for their involvement in drug abuse and trafficking activities.
The operation seized a total of 563.56g of syabu, valued at over BND75,000 on the local market, enough to supply at least 5,600 drug users.
Three of the individuals arrested are being investigated under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27, for importing controlled drugs. If convicted for the amount of drugs involved, they could face the death penalty. – Fadley Faisal
