The Narcotics Control Bureau, NCB foiled a cannabis drug trafficking syndicate dubbled ‘Operasi Mary Jane, MJ’. 18 locals comprised of 13 men and 5 women aged between 18 and 53 years were detained in a series of raids over a period of two weeks in early July 2022.
The raids were carried out at a number of residences in Kampung Mata-Mata, Kampung Lambak Kiri, RPN Panchor Mengkubau, Kampung Tanah Jambu, Kampung Rimba, Kampung Sungai Besar and Kampung Mentiri in Brunei Muara District.
The NCB investigation found that the drug traffickers are still active in their illegal activities and identified as one of the masterminds who brought cannabis into the country for the local market targeting the youth.
This year alone, until June 2022, NCB has recorded 151 arrests consisting of youths aged between 15 and 35. The figure is alarming as they comprised half of the total arrest on the first six months of this year.
In total, NCB has seized cannabis weighing 867.42 grams, chewing gum believed to contain “Cannabis Edibles” weighing 7.13 grams, 14 pills believed to be Ecstasy drugs cash amounting to $8,634 believed to be drug trafficking proceeds, drug paraphernalia and digital scales three vehicles and several mobile phones. Also seized were several cartons of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, which was then handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further investigation.
All arrests were made for NCB investigation under the following offences:
– Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, MDA, Chapter 27 for the possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of trafficking;
– Section 6A for the possession of controlled drugs;
– Section 6B for the consumption of controlled drugs;
– Section 7 for the possession of items believed to be drug paraphernalia;
– Section 10 for abetment to commit crime under MDA, Chapter 27;
– Section 3 of the Criminal Asset Recovery Order 2012 for money laundering.
The NCB reminded that cannabis is illegal in Brunei Darussalam. It is an offence to possess, smoke, consume and plant a cannabis plant under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapters 27.
Under Brunei Darussalam’s law, any citizens or permanent residents found consuming controlled drug abroad, they may be dealt with as if that offence had been committed within Brunei Darussalam, regardless of where the drug was taken. Consuming a Class ‘A’ controlled drug is punishable to an imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of twenty thousand dollars or both.
The country’s citizens and residents who intend to travel to other countries are advised to remain vigilant. NCB will continue to monitor the drug situation in the country and firm action will be taken against drug trafficking syndicates as the country has a zero-tolerance approach towards illicit drugs. The NCB also expressed its appreciation to the security intelligence and enforcement agencies in the country for their assistance and cooperation towards the success of the operation.
Source: Radio Television Brunei