2.6kg heroin and 1.2kg cannabis seized. Four arrested in two operations

15 Oct 2014

On 14 October 2014, the Central Narcotics Bureau launched separate operations to apprehend two drug traffickers who were believed to be distributing sizeable amounts of drugs to other local drug traffickers. From these two operations, a total of about 2.6kg of heroin and 1.2kg of cannabis were seized. The seized drugs had an estimated street value of more than S$226,000.

Cannabis trafficker arrested in Marsiling

On the morning of 14 October 2014, CNB officers deployed in the vicinity of a housing block at Marsiling Drive spotted the 46-year-old male suspected cannabis trafficker meeting up with a 40-year-old male suspected drug client. They parted ways after a short while and officers moved in and placed both under arrest. CNB officers recovered about 40g of cannabis from the 40-year-old male and about 260g of cannabis from the 46-year-old male.

The 46-year-old suspected drug trafficker was brought back to his residence at a housing block in the vicinity. About 960g of cannabis and a small amount of ‘Ice’ and heroin were recovered from within the unit.

Heroin distributor surprised at Clementi

On the same day in the early afternoon, another party of CNB officers were deployed in the vicinity of a housing block at Clementi West Street 1 with a view to arresting a 40-year-old suspected heroin trafficker. He was believed to be dealing in sizeable amounts of heroin. CNB officers spotted the suspected heroin trafficker getting on board a van driven by another suspect, a 48-year-old male. CNB officers stopped the van at the exit of the carpark and swiftly placed both men under arrest.

CNB officers conducted a search of the van and recovered about 2.6kg of heroin from within the vehicle. Drug paraphernalia such as digital weighing scale and empty plastic sachets were also recovered from within the van. Cash of more than S$6,700 was found on the 40-year-old suspected trafficker.

Investigations into the drug activities of all four Singaporean suspects are ongoing. If convicted, they may face the death penalty. The Misuse of Drugs Act provides for the death penalty if the amount of diamorphine (or pure heroin) trafficked exceeds 15g. 15g of diamorphine is equivalent to 1,250 straws[1], which is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 180 abusers for a week. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, those convicted of trafficking in more than 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty.

Director CNB Mr Ng Ser Song said, “The 2.6kg of heroin seized could have fed the addiction of almost 1250 drug abusers for a week, and the 1.2kg of cannabis seized could have been used to lure many unsuspecting new abusers into trying out drugs for the first time, starting a vicious cycle of lifelong addiction, bringing upon families immense pain and suffering when they see their loved ones fighting to be free from drug addiction. CNB will not let up in our enforcement efforts and will not allow drugs to enslave our community.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU 15 OCTOBER 2014

Photo 1: Cannabis seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

Cannabis seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

Photo 2: Close-up view of cannabis seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

Close-up view of cannabis seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

Photo 3: Heroin seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

Heroin seized from CNB operation on 14 October 2014

[1] This is estimated using a typical purity level of 4%, based on drug seizures in recent years. The number of straws that are actually made may vary according to the purity level of the heroin used in the straws.]