Syabu Abuse On The Rise
By Azlan Othman & CT Hj Mahmood

Bandar Seri Begawan - Methylamphetamine, better known as Syabu, remains the most prevalent drug of choice that continues to plague the Bruneian youths, majority of whom are unemployed. It is the most popular type of drug seized by the Narcotic Control Bureau in the country.

In fact, the amount of Syabu seized in the first nine months of this year has already exceeded the total amount seized in 2003 and 2002. Until the end of September, the Bureau had seized 382 grammes of the white crystalline drug compared to 134 gms in 2003 and 248 gms in 2002, latest statistics from the Bureau showed.

Syabu has a lethal effect on the user as it is known to cause damage to lungs, liver and kidneys, leads to violent behaviour, temporary mood elevation, insomnia and lowered resistance to diseases.

The Bureau warned that possessing more than 50 gms of Syabu, which is classified under the Class `A' category, for the purpose of trafficking in Brunei carries the death penalty.

Another drug that is widely abused in the country is cannabis.

Until September, 237 gms were seized followed by cannabis resin at 29 gms. Under the Brunei law, possessing more than 600 Gms of cannabis carries the death penalty. In 2003 and 2002, 450 gms and 1,131 gms of the drug were seized respectively.

Besides Syabu, cannabis herb and resin, other types of drugs confiscated last year included morphine (1.5gm) and cough mixture (0.041itre).

In 2002, other types of drugs seized besides Syabu and cannabis were heroin (4gms), 2,565 capsules containing codeine, codeine cough mixture (0.0031 litre), 232 tablets of diazepam.

The Bureau also revealed that Bruneians, Malays, unemployed and those aged 31 years and above has once again dominated the statistics for the first nine months of this year, similar to 2003 and 2002.

To date, 496 arrests have been made including 80 women. Of that, 175 have been convicted. The Bureau reminded the public that allowing residential dwellings to be used for distribution, processing or any drug abuse-related activities is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Syabu was first found in Brunei in 1993 with the seizure of a small amount (1.1 gms). But it was only by the middle of 1996 that Syabu gained in popularity among local drug abusers. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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