Kuala Belait - Some 60 enforcement officers and personnel took part in a joint operation spearheaded by the Royal Brunei Police Force in the Belait District on Monday night.

The joint operation was participated by officers and personnel of four enforcement agencies, namely the Belait District Police, Belait Customs Preventive Section, Belait Narcotics Control Bureau and the Belait Immigration Department.

The operation, which ran from 10.30pm till lam, targeted 13 areas: five in Kuala Belait, four in Seria and another four in Sungai Liang and Lumut.

The Acting OCPD for Belait District, DSP Ariffin bin Hj Jafaruddin who was leading the joint operation in an interview said it was the third joint operation conducted this year by the four enforcement agencies. It was aimed at combatting crimes, social ills and matters that are against the laws and regulations in the country.

He also added that, in addition to the Immigration enforcement effort, the police also inspected houses for stolen goods, undeclared or smuggled cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.

The involvement ofother enforcement agencies made it easier to respond to any offences under the jurisdiction of the respective agencies during the operation.

Apart from the crime operation, roadblocks were also held at the same time, with the involvement of six agencies, namely Belait Police Station, Seria Police Station, the Belait Traffic Investigation and Control Department (JSKLL), Immigration Department, Land Transport Department and also the Narcotics Control Bureau.

The roadblocks and spot checks were held from afternoon until late midnight at several areas including the Sungai Tuj oh area, Badas highway, Jalan Singa Menteri and Jalan Tengah Seria with the purpose of crime prevention while at the same time ensuring that road users obey traffic regulations.

Meanwhile, during inspections at several workers' quarters and rented houses within the areas of Kuala Belait, Seria, Sungai Liang and Lumut, Immigration enforcement officers recorded a case in which a Thai national was issued a special pass for further verification of his/her status in the country.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin