| Azlan Othman |
NINE locals, aged between 17 and 50, were recently arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), for suspected involvement in the abuse and trafficking of controlled drugs.
The arrests were made in an NCB operation codenamed ‘Taat Setia 4/2016’, during which several locations came under scrutiny, including those in Bandar Seri Begawan, Gadong and Berakas.
At Berakas, three youths, including a woman, were detained at the tennis courts of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, after a search of their vehicle revealed a packet of clear crystals believed to be methamphetamine weighing 54 grammes, and several dollar notes.
The three suspects were investigated under Section 3A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27, which covers the offence of trafficking controlled drugs, as well as Section 6B of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27, for the offence of consuming controlled drugs.
If found guilty under Section 3A of the Act, they are liable to a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane, or the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane.
Syabu crystals found during the operation. – AZLAN OTHMAN
If the confiscated drugs weigh more than 100 grammes, the perpetrators may face the death penalty.
Meanwhile, in Bandar Seri Begawan, three local men were arrested after NCB officers found a cache of weapons in their vehicle, including some brass knuckles.
Two of them, aged 17, were turned over to police custody for possessing weapons, while one tested positive for drugs and was detained under Section 6 (b) of the Misuse of Drugs Act, Chapter 27.
The NCB has praised the public for the tip-offs, which led to the arrests, and would welcome more information to carry out similar operations. Members of the public are asked to help out by contacting the NCB office at 2448877 or the hotline at 8777444, after office hours.
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