BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

TWENTY-FIVE people were apprehended on Saturday night, by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), after a raid at a residential house in Kampung Subok.

The 25 were detained for a range of offences from drug consumption, gambling, undeclared alcoholic drinks and prostitution.

According to a press statement from the NCB, the preliminary investigation suggests that the house was used as a drug den and other illegal activities. Two of the rooms were converted into a private karaoke lounge where immoral activities were being conducted. A number of small plastic bags believed to be controlled drugs were also seized. Among those detained, 10 are males from the age of 30 to 48 years old, and were brought to the NCB on the suspicion of drug activities and are held for further investigation. Two of the men are Bruneian while the remaining eight are permanent residents or foreigners.

An unspecified number of those arrested were referred to the Royal Brunei Police Force and the Royal Customs and Excise for further investigation relating to other offences.

The NCB press release also highlighted that under Section 9 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence for the owner, tenant, occupier or person in charge of any place or premises, to permit such place to be opened or used for the purpose of any drug activities.

If found guilty, the owner, tenant, occupier or person in charge of the place or premise can be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years, fined $40,000 or both. The NCB “urges landlords to be vigilant when it comes to renting out their properties”.

Any information on drug activities, the public can contact the NCB hotline at +6738777444 or by email at ncb@brunet.bn. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

The Brunei Times