(Bandar Seri Begawan, 28th) Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau recently conducted an operation at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint, arresting a 33-year-old foreign man suspected of attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into the country, and seizing methamphetamine weighing 1,059.44 grams, with an estimated market value of about 127,000 Brunei dollars.
The bureau stated that this arrest operation is part of the ongoing “Operation Mule”. So far, authorities have arrested 15 individuals aged between 20 and 67 in connection with the operation.
When law enforcement officers searched the suspect’s vehicle, they discovered the hidden methamphetamine in the glove compartment. The seized drugs are estimated to be enough for at least 10,000 users. Authorities also confiscated a mobile phone and the vehicle involved to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary investigations show that the suspect is believed to have been instructed by an overseas drug trafficking syndicate to smuggle the drugs into the country and hand them over to several local drug dealers and couriers. The investigation also revealed that multiple local individuals are suspected of assisting the syndicate in transporting the drugs.
The suspect is being investigated under Chapter 27, Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for importing controlled drugs; if convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The Narcotics Control Bureau reiterated that it will continue to take strict action against individuals and criminal groups involved in drug-related activities, including foreign nationals attempting to establish a foothold or engage in drug-related activities in Brunei.
The bureau stated that this arrest operation is part of the ongoing “Operation Mule”. So far, authorities have arrested 15 individuals aged between 20 and 67 in connection with the operation.
When law enforcement officers searched the suspect’s vehicle, they discovered the hidden methamphetamine in the glove compartment. The seized drugs are estimated to be enough for at least 10,000 users. Authorities also confiscated a mobile phone and the vehicle involved to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary investigations show that the suspect is believed to have been instructed by an overseas drug trafficking syndicate to smuggle the drugs into the country and hand them over to several local drug dealers and couriers. The investigation also revealed that multiple local individuals are suspected of assisting the syndicate in transporting the drugs.
The suspect is being investigated under Chapter 27, Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for importing controlled drugs; if convicted, he could face the death penalty.
The Narcotics Control Bureau reiterated that it will continue to take strict action against individuals and criminal groups involved in drug-related activities, including foreign nationals attempting to establish a foothold or engage in drug-related activities in Brunei.