BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has thwarted an attempt to use Brunei as a drug transit hub by an international drug syndicate, which is believed to be operating from the Americas, local media reported on Sunday.
According to local daily Borneo Bulletin, the NCB launched an operation codenamed "Blockade" in early November and uncovered a plot to smuggle drugs from Brunei to countries in the Middle East, Europe, East Asia, and Australia.
The NCB intercepted air packages containing 36.73 kg methamphetamine, marking the largest drug seizure in Brunei's history, surpassing the 19-kg seizure during Operation Musang King in 2020, said the report.
The syndicate is believed to be operating from the Americas, concealing drugs within speakers and computers, and rerouting packages to other countries via courier services. Investigations revealed attempts to recruit locals to assist in the operations, according to the NCB.
The NCB has asked for support from regional and international agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to identify and apprehend those behind the syndicate, according to the report. ■