THREE local men have been arrested and are under investigation for the cultivation of cannabis following a search at a residence in Kampong Pandan Housing Scheme, Kuala Belait.
During the search, a few pots of plants believed to be cannabis were found in the kitchen, while packets of dried leaves and stems believed to be cannabis were also discovered, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said in a statement yesterday.
“NCB would like to remind the public that cultivation of plants that can be extracted as controlled drugs such as cannabis is an offence under Section 8 of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Chapter 27. The offence is punishable with a minimum sentence of three years’ imprisonment or BND5,000 fine or both and the maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment or BND40,000 fine or both,” NCB added.
According to the NCB, the case unfolded during a routine search at the Sungai Tujuh Control Post, Kuala Belait where as a result of close cooperation among enforcement agencies, the NCB arrested a suspect, a 28-year-old local woman, who was entering the country, on suspicion of drug-related crimes.
A search was conducted on the suspect’s vehicle, however no drug-related items were found.
ABOVE & BELOW: Dried leaves, stems and pots of plants believed to be cannabis.
Further investigation was made at the suspect’s residence at Kampong Pandan Housing Scheme. During the investigation, five local men, aged between 21 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of drug-related crimes, NCB said. A search uncovered the items believed to be cannabis.
Three of the five suspects are being investigated under Section 8 of the MDA, Chapter 27 for the offence of cultivation of cannabis plant. In addition, the suspects are also investigated under Section 6(a) of the MDA for being in possession of controlled drugs; Section 6(b) for consumption of controlled drugs; and Section 7 for possessing utensils used for drug abuse.
NCB thanked all the enforcement agencies at the Sungai Tujuh Control Post which played a very important role in providing joint and effective response to ensure the security of Brunei’s border.
NCB also encourages the public’s cooperation in combating drug crimes. Anyone with information can contact the NCB at 2448877 during office hours or the hotline 8777444.
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