November 9, 2026

New Malaysia Times

Malaysia news without ads & paywall

Malaysian Detained In Brunei Over Record 100kg Syabu Bust Has Prior Criminal Record, Say Police

Malaysian syabu bust Brunei border Hussein Omar Khan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8  – A 46-year-old Malaysian man arrested by Brunei authorities with over 100 kilogrammes of suspected syabu (methamphetamine) at the border on October 31, 2026, has two previous criminal records.

Bukit Aman Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (NCID) Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, that the suspect from Miri, Sarawak, was intercepted at the Sungai Tujoh Control Post along the Brunei-Miri border while using Brunei as a transit corridor to reach Sabah.

Brunei’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) alerted Malaysian authorities after detaining the suspect with 102.19 kg of syabu concealed inside 100 tea packets, valued at BND2.8 million (RM5 million). The seizure stands as the largest drug haul recorded in the history of the border checkpoint.

Investigation details revealed that the suspect planned to drive through Kuala Belait, Seria, Tutong, and Bandar Seri Begawan, crossing the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge into Temburong. From there, he intended to re-enter Sarawak via the Labu-Mengkalap border checkpoint before proceeding to Sabah through Merapok-Sindumin.

In addition to the syabu shipment, Brunei law enforcement seized four Erimin 5 pills, a transport vehicle, two mobile phones, and cash in multiple currencies (RM1,180, BND10, SGD10, and 500 baht).

Hussein confirmed that Bukit Aman NCID will maintain continuous intelligence-sharing with Brunei’s NCB to trace the supply origin and dismantle any connected smuggling syndicates operating within Malaysia.

Key operational statistics, smuggling routes, and asset seizures include:

  • Suspect Profile: 46-year-old Malaysian man from Miri with two prior criminal records.
  • Border Interception: October 31, 2026, at Sungai Tujoh Control Post (Brunei-Miri border).
  • Seized Narcotics: 102.19 kg of syabu (hidden in 100 tea packets) valued at BND2.8 million / RM5 million, plus 4 Erimin 5 pills.
  • Smuggling Transit Corridor: Miri $\rightarrow$ Sungai Tujoh $\rightarrow$ Kuala Belait $\rightarrow$ Seria $\rightarrow$ Tutong $\rightarrow$ Bandar Seri Begawan $\rightarrow$ Temburong Bridge $\rightarrow$ Labu-Mengkalap $\rightarrow$ Merapok-Sindumin $\rightarrow$ Sabah.
  • Additional Seizures: Vehicle, 2 mobile phones, and cash (RM1,180, SGD10, BND10, 500 baht).

–NMT