BY James Kon

A smuggling attempt, along with the vehicle used to ferry the contraband chicken wings, went up in smoke along the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SHOAS) Bridge on Friday evening.

The police foiled the attempt and apprehended the driver, an unemployed 32-year-old local man, through its continuous surveillance and crime prevention strategies, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) said.

Detectives and Bangar Police Station personnel surveilling the vicinity of Bangar, on noticing a suspicious saloon vehicle heading towards Labu, swiftly blocked the road near the Brunei Bridge Authority (BBA).

The driver approached the roadblock before abruptly speeding off via the SHOAS Bridge. The police gave chase, stopping the driver at the 19km-mark of the bridge.

While inspecting the suspect’s vehicle, small pockets of fire accompanied by thick smoke from the engine area became apparent, eventuating in a full-fledged vehicle fire.

The Fire and Rescue Department was contacted immediately to assist the situation.

Police uncovered raw chicken wings stored in the back seat and bonnet, however, they were unable to determine the actual volume due to the damage from the fire.

The suspect will be charged with two counts – attempting to flee and failing to stop when instructed by police.

The smuggling case has been handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department.

The RBPF will continue to patrol areas, particularly potential mouse-trail routes, to ensure smuggling attempts remain unsuccessful.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin