Kuala Belait - A homemade shotgun, five live bullets, a "parang", axe and equipment used to cut "Gaharu" trees were confiscated by Police Rangers of RU'C company and Royal Brunei Armed Forces in an operation called "SALIMBADA", the 33rd time it has been held since January this year.

Head Officer of Operations, Senior Inspector Rosli bin Haji Tuming, said the operation involved six Police Rangers personnel and four personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The one-week operation from July 14 to July 19 took place at remote KB UKUR 9 areas in Belait District.

He said no arrests were made timing the operation because the seven foreign men, believed to be illegal "Kayu Gaharu" poachers, managed to flee to the Sarawak border. He said surveillance personnel stumbled upon them nearly face-to-face at Ulu Sungai Penipir in the remote area of Ulu Belait that borders Sarawak.

He said Police Rangers personnel asked them to introduce themselves but knowing that they are Police from Brunei Darussalam, the seven men made a quick getaway leaving behind all their belongings and disappeared into the Sarawak border.

Senior Inspector Rosli told the Bulletin, "There was nothing we could do once they crossed out of our jurisdiction at that point in time." However, the law enforcers managed to confiscate weapons and other items belonging to the poachers.

Senior Inspector Rosli said it is part of an ongoing operation to ensure the country is safe from any illegal activities.

Asked which areas are most prone to poaching, he said most of the poaching happens in the remote corners of Ulu Belait areas.

He urged people especially those residing in the remote areas to contact the authority if they suspect movements of any illegal poachers.

He said at the end of May this year three people (Malaysians) have been arrested in connection with poaching at Sungai Keduaan in the Ulu Belait areas. They have been charged under the Immigration and Forestry Acts.

Senior Inspector Rosli said the confiscated items will be used as evidence and displayed at Police exhibitions.