The New Straits Times learnt that at least one syndicate which used Malaysia as its transit point and base of operations in Southeast Asia, had been detected "recruiting" women from Brunei.

Federal Narcotics Criminal Inves-tigation Department deputy director Datuk Othman Harun confirmed this latest ploy used by drug syndicates but declined to elaborate.

It is, however, learnt that syndicates have resorted to using women from Brunei as drug mules as the sultanate is known for its relatively criminal-free record abroad, thus enabling the mules to slip past authorities in foreign countries easily.

"The most recent case reported was that of a 30-year-old Brunei woman who was arrested at the Sydney International Airport for attempting to smuggle 2kg of heroin," a source revealed.

Australian Customs and Border Protection officers at the airport stopped the woman, a Brunei government employee, and searched her baggage after she arrived on a flight from Kuala Lumpur last Tuesday.

The authorities found a package of white powder, later identified as heroin worth A$200,000 (S$225,580), concealed in the base of the bag.

"The mother of four has been charged and faces a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. Previously, two Brunei nationals were arrested for similar offences in Chile and China.

"They are still under detention in these countries. Investigations revealed all the Brunei nationals stopped over in Kuala Lumpur, before heading on to their final destinations," the source disclosed.

Malaysian police were working closely with their Brunei and Singapore counterparts to tackle the problem as the syndicate recruited women from all three countries as drug mules.

It was also learnt that the authorities are monitoring Internet chat sites to trace conversations between syndicate members and prospective victims.

The overtures are said to be very heart-warming and the victims fall easily for promises of love and the good life," the source added. -The New Straits Times