Image from Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted an operation dubbed ‘Lucky Ape’ targeting a major syabu drug smuggling and distribution syndicate at Kampong Menunggol, Pulau Berambang and Kampong Bolkiah in Kampong Ayer on January 25-26.
Fourteen individuals comprising locals, permanent residents and foreigners, aged 18 to 61, were arrested.
The mastermind of the syndicate is a 36-year-old local believed to be using youngsters to carry out drug activities as delivery, storage and supplies.
The mastermind was also found to be working with a syabu dealer, a 42-year-old local man with previous conviction.
NCB seized 737.82 grammes of syabu and tools used to process drugs for distribution from an 18-year-old.
The confiscated drugs were estimated to be worth BND140,000 in the local market and can support at least 7,300 drug addicts. The suspects will be investigated under Section 3A, Chapter 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act for the possession of controlled drugs for the purpose of distribution, which, if convicted with the amount of drugs seized, can lead to death by hanging.
A vehicle as well as BND5,214, SGD477 and RM110 in cash believed to be the result of drug trafficking activities, were also confiscated and will be investigated under Section 3, Criminal Assets Recovery Order (CARO) 2012.
The NCB reminded youth not to be deceived by the tactics of drug dealers offering lucrative rewards to carry out illegal activities. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
