
A joint operation by the Marine Police under the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) successfully intercepted an attempted contraband smuggling in Brunei’s waterways at dawn on March 3. According to the RBPF, RBAF personnel detected two boats suspected of transporting contraband near Sungai Bunga. Upon spotting enforcement officers, the suspects attempted to flee in separate directions.
One boat entered a mangrove forest, where the suspect abandoned the vessel and escaped on foot. The second boat managed to evade capture. A search of the abandoned boat uncovered 860 cartons of cigarettes, 97 cans, and 21 bottles of alcohol.
The case is being investigated under Section 146(1)(d) of the Excise Order 2006. The contraband and boat have been handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further action. – James Kon.