A foreigner and two locals, who were caught with 50.40 grammes of Methylamphetamines (Syabu) at the Kuala Lurah Control Post this week, could face the death penalty.

In Brunei Darussalam, anyone caught with more than 50 grammes of Syabu, which is a Class-A drug, could be sentenced to death by hanging, if they are found guilty in court.

The Narcotics Control Bureau with assistance from the Royal Customs & Excise Department detained the three suspects who are between the ages of 34 and 47 during the recent operation at the border.

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Citing that the drugs situation in Brunei Darussalam was a great menace to the country, Deputy Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Haji Abdul Aziz bin OKMB Hj Othman launched the 'Commitment to Life - Growing Up Drugs Free' exhibition in Seria at the Oil and Gas Discovery centre yesterday.

The exhibition was part of a project in partnership between NCB and Adinin Group of Companies (AGC) to ensure that all employees are free from drugs and alcohol abuse.

The programme will require continuous support, commitment and funds, but the loss of a skilled and qualified employee to the evil of drug abuse cannot measure up.

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To secure a drug-free environment in the workplace, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and a private company, Adinin Group of Companies, (AGC) have joined hands to educate the public on the repercussions of drugs and alcohol abuse in a two-day exhibition next week.

The collaboration kicked off yesterday morning with the installation of 12 "striking" banners along Jalan Tengah and in the vicinity of the OGDC entrance. The banners show the dangers of consuming drugs, interesting facts and its impact on the health and future of the abuser.

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The 183 participants of the 17th IFNGO Asean NGOs Workshop received their certificates of participation yesterday at the Rizqun International Hotel, venue of the three-day workshop hosted by BASMIDA, Brunei Darussalam, which also hosted the closing ceremony for the event.

On hand to present the certificates to the participants, as well as the invited speakers, were President of BASMIDA Datin Hjh Masni Hj Mohd Ali and Mr Greg Stanton of INL, USA.

Prior to the presentation, the 17th IFNGO ASEAN NGOs Workshop's Resolutions and Recommendations were read out, and was followed by a closing speech from Datin Hjh Masni.

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The recommendations of the 17th IFNGO Asean NGOs Workshop recommend that a technical committee be established and that with the support of various funding agencies be tasked with proposing the technical agenda and for future IFNGO conferences, seminars and workshops and assist in developing and implementing plan of action arising from the recommendations of the above mentioned meetings.

That IFNGO Asean NGOs appeal, lobby and urge their respective governments to enact legislation similar to "THE SECOND CHANCE ACT, 2007" of the United States of America aimed to reduce recidivism, increase public safety and help Asean governments to better address the growing population of prisoners returning to communities. The Bill should focus on four areas of concern, namely: employment, housing, drug and substance abuse/mental health treatment, and families and that to achieve a Drug-Free Asean 2015, IFNGO Asean NGOs oppose any strategies that aim at legalisation of illicit drugs and other strategies that sanction illicit drug use. That IFNGO Asean NGOs reiterates its commitment in supporting strategies that work without ambiguity to deter drug abuse under all circumstances and promoting full recovery of those suffering from drug addiction and dependence.

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The 17th International Federation of Non-Government Organisations for the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse (IFNGO) Asean NGOs Workshop was officially declared open yesterday by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, at Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

Themed "Overcoming the Incidence of Recidivism for Asean Drug-Free 2015", the three-day event was organised by the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam (BASMIDA) in cooperation with IFNGO and supported by the Colombo Plan and International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, US Department of State.

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Sustained and long-term holistic solutions and approaches, involving government agencies, inter-governmental agencies, international communities, regional bodies, as well as families, social institutions, NGOs by means of concerted, collective and united efforts, are vital to combat the problem of drug abuse.

This observation was made by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, during the opening of the 17th IFNGO (International Federation of Non-Government Organisations for the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse) Asean NGOs Workshop held at Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

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In an effort to convey anti-drugs message in conjunction with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2007, 100 bikers from the Brunei Darussalam Motorcycle Association (PEMODA) took part in a motorbike expedition stopping at major towns in Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara District's yesterday.

The expedition was to support the International Anti Drugs Campaign Day organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Bikers began their trip from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) office in Kuala Belait yesterday morning and their final destination was at The Mall in Gadong.

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According to the World Drug Report 2007 released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), there has been evidence suggesting a decline in the problem of drug use and abuse globally.

Although the situation has stabilised a few years back, it does not mean that the mission to tackle the drug problem should slow down because more needs to be done in order to control the global ailment.

This was said by the President of BASMIDA, Datin Hjh Masni Hj Ali, at the launching ceremony for the guide book on 'Understanding Drug Abuse From the Islamic Perspective', BASMIDA newsletter and BASMIDA website.

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"For the sake of the country and the people, let us together fight against drug abuse in the country and in the world so that the Narcotics Control Bureau's vision of a 'drug free community, partners towards a safe country' and the ASEAN vision of a 'Drug Free ASEAN 2015' can be reached."

This was said by Hj Abdul Majid bin Margarshah, the Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau who also expressed his hope that cooperation between the public and private sector could shape a harmonious and united community.

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The National Anti-Drug Association shared its anti-drug programmes and Islamic values at the 22nd International Federation of Non-Government Organisations for the Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse (IFNGO) World Conference in Macau, from May 14-18, according to a press release.

The nine-member Brunei delegation was headed by the association's president, Datin Hjh Masni Haji Mohd Ali, who also presented a paper on "Islamic And Spiritual Aspects Of Drug Abuse Prevention From Brunei's Perspectives".

Datin Hjh Masni also noted that drug abuse is a form of self-destruction that is forbidden in Islam, and as an individual is Allah's creation, his body does not belong to himself alone but to Allah, thus, all beneficiaries to his being are "Rizq" (blessings) that cannot be abused.

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Who says the battle against drugs can't be creative?

The Anti-Drugs Abuse Action team (A-team) of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic Religious Secondary Girls' School (SUAMPRIPAD) yesterday demonstrated the use of flower power by displaying pots with anti-drugs messages during the school cleaning campaign.

The interclass "Anti-Drugs Flower Pot Design" competition was launched about a month ago to educate students on the dangers of drugs. It received good response with many classes trying to outdo each other by means of creative motifs, colourful designs and catchy phrases.

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - STUDENTS at the Sayyidina Husain Secondary School (SMSH) kicked off their annual anti-drug awareness campaign yesterday with a big bang.

The school launched into a month of aggressive promotion as part of a nationwide programme for an ongoing anti-drug drive organised by the government.

SMSH elected their school's Anti-Drug Team, or A-team from the school's Pembimbing Rakan Sebaya or Peer Guidance Group, to illustrate this year's nationwide competition theme of "Remaja Berwawasan, Kestabilan Negara"( Youths with visions contribute to a stable nation), to their schoolmates and to youths in general.

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Students Readying For Anti-Drugs Choir Competition

Students of Mabohai Primary School rehearsing for the upcoming anti-drugs choir competition. Yusrin Junaidi

Primary four and five students across the country are currently preparing for the upcoming Anti-Drugs Choir Competition for Primary Schools 2007, organised by the Education Unit, Prevention of Drug Abuse, Counselling and Career Guidance Section, Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education.

This year's theme for the competition is "Sayangi Diri Masa Depan Harmoni" ("Love Yourself For A Harmonious Future").

The objectives of the event are to discourage drug abuse among students and to encourage them to be wary of negative elements in the society.

Thirty schools from all four districts will be participating in the first level of the event on April 18.

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Over 100 drug-related arrests have been made in the first three months of the year and there is no let-up as the Narcotics Control Bureau is on overdrive to rid the country of drug abusers and pushers.

The number of arrests also reveals the dark side of the society, in which the unemployed youth seem prone to drug abuse activities.

The latest NCB operation over the weekend was focused on the water village and surrounding areas in the capital. The target known as a "Black Area" was raided as officials came to know of many drug activities including abusers and traffickers.

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The anti-drug action team of PAP Hjh Rashidah Secondary School, Lumut on Monday held an anti-drugs day at the school premises.

Present as the guest of honour was BKN senior officer Pg Hj Ali bin Pg Hj Shamsuddin who was on hand to launch the event.

Monday's ceremony also saw the launch of an anti-drug booth, a combined effort by the school's anti-drug action team and staff members as well as HSBC personnel.

The guest of honour, in his speech, praised the action team for its efforts in promoting an anti-drug lifestyle among youths in the country.

Meanwhile, principal Hjh Murni bte Abdullah called on younger students to follow in the footsteps of their seniors in the fight against drug abuse.

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The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) held a rehearsal yesterday for tomorrow's ceremony to celebrate International Day against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the capital.

Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Department Dato Paduka Awang Haji Eussoff Agaki Haji Ismail will deliver a speech and launch the ceremony.

Drugs commonly abused by addicts here will also be destroyed after the launch.

The celebration aims to create awareness and to educate the public, especially the youth, on the dangers of the abuse, misuse and illegal trade in drugs.

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Science College A-Team anti-drugs group in collaboration with National 92.3 FM launched a promotion on the prevention of drug abuse.

It was one of the many initiatives taken by these students to promote the battle against drug abuse.

National FM expressed pleasure at such efforts and said will continue to support such project.

The DJs for yesterday morning's show were Rohani and Afli together with two guests from Science College A-Team members DK Nor Raihan Pg Mohd and Sarah Hana Hj Ahmad Ghazali.

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St George's School recently held a prize presentation ceremony to its top writers in an Anti-Drugs Essay Writing Competition organised by the school's Anti-Drugs Club in cooperation with BASMIDA, Brunei Darussalam Anti-Drugs Association, and supported by HSBC

On hand to present the prizes was the guest of honour BASMIDA's President Datin Hjh Masni bte Hj Mohd Ali

According to Datin Hjh Masni, the competition is to encourage students to acquire knowledge and think critically about the global misuse of drugs and hopes it will widen the scope and format that BASMIDA adopts in its continuous effort in dealing with the problem.

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Menglait Secondary School signalling its drug-free zone. Menglait Secondary School recently posted a "Drug-Free Zone" sign near its main gate to emphasise its support to the anti-narcotics campaign held nationwide.

With the sign, the school hopes to send a clear signal to potential drug traffickers to keep away from the school compound as its students will not be influenced or be used to traffic drugs.

Some drug traffickers targeted schools, parks, playgrounds, public housing developments, specific neighbourhoods or town blocks to push drugs.

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KOTA KINABALU - A partnership between local community leaders and drug prevention association (Pemadam) need to be forged to improve the awareness to hate drugs at the grassroot level.

Deputy Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, who is also State Pemadam chairman said he was aware and concerned with the message not reaching the community at the grassroots level.

Towards this end, he hoped the participants of the Pemadam Orientation Course 2006 for village heads, community leaders and women representatives would play a proactive role as the partners of the association instead of they themselves get involved or condoned drug abuse.

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KOTA KINABALU - Sabah Commissioner of Police Datuk Mangsor Ismail said syabu seizures has increased by a staggering 343.2 per cent this year with over 15,413 grammes seized till September. A total of 3,477.64 grammes were seized over the same period last year.

He also disclosed that fewer addicts were arrested this year with 4,385 detained till September compared to 4,446 previously. Forty-nine people were arrested under drug prevention laws compared to last year's figures at 45.

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Mosques in Brunei yesterday joined in the nation's relentless effort to curb the growing drug problem among Muslim youths here by calling on families to fight the menace right from their homes.

"Drug abuse among our youths, especially among our young Muslim people is a growing concern in the country," noted the imams (mosques leaders) in their Friday sermons throughout the country.

Report from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) shows that last year over 500 young people were caught in connection with the abuse of controlled drugs.

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