Local Narcotics Officer Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: A local narcotics officer has pleaded guilty to multiple corruption charges, admitting to having leaked confidential information about ongoing investigations in exchange for drugs. The officer, Muhammad Ali Iskandar bin Mustapha, faces sentencing early next year after confessing to misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the 45-year-old defendant, who was employed as an Assistant Narcotics Officer TWO with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), admitted to five offenses, with two additional charges considered by the court. The case emerged in August 2023, when a suspect involved in drug misuse was arrested and found to possess sensitive information about NCB operations. This information was traced back to Iskandar, who had illicitly shared it to obtain drugs at reduced prices and to shield his supplier from law enforcement.

The court documents reveal that Iskandar had initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea to guilty on December 26, 2024. The plea was made in front of Senior Magistrate Hajah Azrimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman. Iskandar’s defense was handled by Sheikh Noordin bin Sheikh Mohammad, while Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Khalillah binti Haji Hussin presented the case against him. Iskandar is currently detained in Maraburong Prison, awaiting sentencing scheduled for January 6, 2025.