(Bandar Seri Begawan, 20th) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Brunei issued a statement on Thursday, revealing that five Bruneian men aged between 22 and 38 were arrested on suspicion of participating in a cross-border drug smuggling operation orchestrated by an international drug trafficking syndicate.
The suspects were arrested in various locations across Brunei during the last week of May 2025. This operation was part of a targeted law enforcement effort led by the bureau, code-named “Operasi POTTER.”
Investigations indicated that these individuals were recruited by overseas trafficking syndicates to act as couriers, transporting cannabis to European destinations via third countries. Four of the suspects had successfully smuggled drugs abroad multiple times, delivering them to predetermined locations; the fifth suspect was responsible for recruiting local individuals to join the group, in exchange for commissions for each successful smuggling operation.
The Narcotics and Criminal Bureau estimates that the syndicate’s smuggling activities yielded profits of about 21,000 Brunei dollars, with a total cannabis volume of 68 kilograms and a black market value exceeding 1 million Brunei dollars.
The group used specially modified suitcases to conceal drugs and covered all travel expenses, including accommodation, airfare, and transportation, to entice local recruits. Additionally, to ensure the continuity of trafficker operations, members were encouraged to recruit new participants.
The Narcotics Control Bureau expressed serious concern over Bruneian citizens’ involvement in serious criminal activities abroad, warning the public to beware of the temptation of quick profits, as this could lead to severe legal consequences, imprisonment, or even personal harm overseas.
The bureau cautioned: “Under foreign law, involvement in criminal activities, whether intentional or unintentional, cannot be used as a defense.”
The Narcotics Control Bureau also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of domestic and foreign intelligence and law enforcement agencies in ensuring the success of this operation.
The suspects were arrested in various locations across Brunei during the last week of May 2025. This operation was part of a targeted law enforcement effort led by the bureau, code-named “Operasi POTTER.”
Investigations indicated that these individuals were recruited by overseas trafficking syndicates to act as couriers, transporting cannabis to European destinations via third countries. Four of the suspects had successfully smuggled drugs abroad multiple times, delivering them to predetermined locations; the fifth suspect was responsible for recruiting local individuals to join the group, in exchange for commissions for each successful smuggling operation.
The Narcotics and Criminal Bureau estimates that the syndicate’s smuggling activities yielded profits of about 21,000 Brunei dollars, with a total cannabis volume of 68 kilograms and a black market value exceeding 1 million Brunei dollars.
The group used specially modified suitcases to conceal drugs and covered all travel expenses, including accommodation, airfare, and transportation, to entice local recruits. Additionally, to ensure the continuity of trafficker operations, members were encouraged to recruit new participants.
The Narcotics Control Bureau expressed serious concern over Bruneian citizens’ involvement in serious criminal activities abroad, warning the public to beware of the temptation of quick profits, as this could lead to severe legal consequences, imprisonment, or even personal harm overseas.
The bureau cautioned: “Under foreign law, involvement in criminal activities, whether intentional or unintentional, cannot be used as a defense.”
The Narcotics Control Bureau also expressed appreciation for the cooperation of domestic and foreign intelligence and law enforcement agencies in ensuring the success of this operation.