Drug trafficking, drug abuse up in Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua) - The number of arrests related to drug trafficking and drug abuse in Brunei has increased to almost 50 percent in 2013 compared to 2012, state broadcaster Radio Television Brunei (RTB) reported Saturday.

The RTB quoted statistics issued by the Narcotics Control Bureau as reporting that the majority of drug offenders were Malay Bruneians, unemployed and those aged above 31 years. Some 679 arrests were made last year compared to 450 in 2012. Among the figure, 570 were men and the rest women. Statistics showed that the number of women detained for drug trafficking increased from 70 in 2012 to 109 in 2013.

In terms of citizenship, a total of 565 locals were apprehended along with 40 permanent residents and 73 foreign nationals. Malays made up the highest number of offenders. About 594 Malays were arrested, followed by 33 Chinese and 52 people of different races.

Based on the figure in 2013, the unemployed made up the highest number of arrests. Some 396 jobless people were detained, followed by 56 people working with the government, 169 people working in the private sector, 49 people who work independently, and nine school students.

The Narcotics Control Bureau's statistics showed that the youngest people to be apprehended were aged below 15. Seven of them were arrested in 2013, followed by 47 youngsters aged between 16 and 20, 126 youths aged between 21 and 25, 149 people aged between 26 and 30 and the bulk 350 people aged above 31.

Two types of drugs, methalymphetamine or "syabu" and cannabis, were the most popular among drug abusers. However, there was a significant decrease in methalymphetamine-seizure.

The Narcotics Control Bureau in collaboration with other local law-enforcing agencies pledged to intensify surveillance on illegal drug-trafficking in bringing down the number of drug- smuggling and other related offences in the country. The department calls on every level of the community to give their cooperation in ensuring the nation is free from illegal drugs.

In a related development, the first phase of Syariah criminal law, aimed at dealing with social ills more effectively in the country, came into effect on May 1.