| Hakim Hayat |
A “420” CELEBRATION held at the male hostel of a higher education institution was busted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently, leading to the arrest of nine young men, of which eight are students of two higher education institutions in the country.
The men, aged between 22-24, were arrested by NCB following the discovery of packets and paper folds containing dried leaves, believed to be cannabis, with a total weight of 63 grammes and apparatus used for drug consumption.
The institutions were not named in the statement released by NCB but it said the raid was conducted at 1.15am when the detainees were having a mini party to celebrate “420”, a celebration related to cannabis consumption every April 20.
All the items were seized and the detainees are currently being investigated under Section 6(a) of Misuse of Drugs Acts (MDA), Chapter 27 for the possession of controlled drugs which carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a fine of BND20,000, or both; Section 6(b) of MDA, Chapter 27 for the consumption of controlled drugs which carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a fine of BND20,000, or both; and Section 7 of MDA, Chapter 27 for the possession of utensils used for drug consumption which carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of BND10,000, or both.
During questioning, all the detainees admitted to have received awareness and information on drug abuse including its negative impacts and legality.
NCB in the statement yesterday reminded the young generation, including students, both in local institutions and overseas, not to be influenced by others’ views on cannabis consumption and other drugs, let alone participating in celebrations that are against the beliefs, religion and law in the country. It further advised that students need to be focussed on their studies and make wise decisions for their future so as not to disappoint the hopes of their family and country.
The NCB also reminded parents and guardians to always monitor their children’s activities and get to know their friends, even though they are studying at a higher institution, because there is no guarantee that they are safe from negative social influences including drug abuse.
The bureau also reminded that drug offences are regarded as very serious and any involvement in any form of drug activities may carry capital punishment under the MDA Chapter 27.
It also expressed gratitude to all those who have cooperated and supported the NCB in eradicating drug activities in the country and urged the public to come forward with any information relating to drug abuse activities by calling 2448877 (office hours), hotline 8777444 (after working hours) or e-mail at ncb@narcotics.gov.bn.
The post NCB busts ‘420’ drugs party, nine youths held appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.