Azlan Othman

Brunei’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently intercepted two separate attempts to smuggle illicit drugs using tea packets.

The NCB also detained a post parcel on suspicion that it contained contraband ‘Khat’ leaves last month.

The case is under investigation.

These incidents were highlighted by Acting Director of NCB Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi during the 19th bilateral meeting between the NCB and the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (JSJN) of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong yesterday.

Haji Mohd Jaffari expressed concerns that the functioning of the new bridge linking Bandar Seri Begawan and Temburong would bring about challenges in curbing the flow of illicit drugs into the country.

“A platform like this is crucial for the NCB and JSJN to share information and exchange ideas to solve the issues immediately,” he said.

Haji Mohd Jaffari also congratulated the JSJN for foiling an international trafficking drug ring’s smuggling attempt of 12 tonnes of cocaine worth RM2.4 billion into Penang last September, in addition to seizing 121 kilogrammes of drugs worth RM6.45 million in October.

“Since the last bilateral meeting with the JSJN, several developments have taken place in Brunei, and I believe both parties have shared important information, experiences and challenges for both countries,” he said.

Director of the JSJN CP Datuk Mohd Khalil bin Kader Mohamadd said, “The JSJN is committed to strengthening ties with the NCB to frame new strategies that are more comprehensive.”

He added, “The JSJN will not allow Malaysia to be a drug hub. One of the JSJN’s transformation strategies to tackle drug trafficking is through large-scale operations targetting domestic and international drug kingpins.

“There is also a strategy to control drugs at the national level by launching a comprehensive operation from the grassroots level, which is ‘Icebreaker Ops’ targetting drug addicts at ports throughout Malaysia.

“‘Ops Damn Tokan’ was also launched, to detect and apprehend street pushers who have been identified dealing with street drug addicts. These operations demonstrated the full commitment of the JSJN towards stopping drugs from becoming rampant.”

He added, “As the Director of JSJN, I have structured a different approach by implementing the JSJN’s transformation to enhance its effectiveness by formulating five core strategies. Apart from the two strategies mentioned, a strategy to intensify international networking is also a main tool in the JSJN’s transformation.

“We should continue to review and explore new areas of cooperation, so that we are a way ahead in tackling international drug syndicates. I was made to understand that the last bilateral meeting between both agencies was held in 2015, at Kota Kinabalu. Continuous assignments and the tight schedules of both agencies caused a long lapse in holding this meeting.”

A statement by the NCB said that the meeting was aimed at sharing cases and drug trends in both Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, including the latest modes of operation and legal provisions related to the eradication of drug abuse and trafficking.