Skip to main content

Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)

Our history

Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was established in 1971 to lead Singapore’s anti-drug efforts and marked its 50th anniversary in 2021.

Last updated 20 November 2025

On this page

About CNB50
CNB50 Logo
CNB50 Stories - Our past and present
'CNB50: Continuing the fight for a drug-free Singapore' commemorative stamp set
CNB50 Commemorative coffee-table book: 'The Bureau's Fight for a #DrugFreeSG'
CNB50 In the news
Interested in more stories?
Past and present photos of CNB’s 50-year journey for a drug-free Singapore.

About CNB50

As early as 1970, the menace of drug addiction was a concern in Singapore. In response to this, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was set up as a new and dedicated agency to fight the drug menace.

Established in 1971, CNB serves as the primary drug enforcement agency with a clear and focused mandate – to keep Singapore safe from the harms of drugs and inhalants.

In 2021, CNB celebrates its 50th anniversary in keeping Singapore drug-free, where everyone can live, work and play safely.

CNB50 Logo

CNB 50 years logo with ribbon and slogan “Continuing the Fight for a Drug-Free Singapore.”

The CNB50 logo was designed to commemorate CNB’s 50th anniversary. It incorporates distinctive elements of CNB’s identity, including the CNB crest and the Anti-Drug Ribbon, a symbol of the anti-drug cause and Singapore’s united stand against drugs.

CNB50 Stories - Our past and present

The name ‘Central Narcotics Bureau’ (CNB) was coined by the then Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, the late Mr Tay Seow Huah, and CNB’s first Director, the late Mr John Hanam. The name signified that drug enforcement was now centralised into one department, and also enabled overseas enforcement agencies to recognise CNB.

CNB’s first HQ at Robinson Road and campaign photos from 1977 and 1996.

With the prevalence of drug trafficking in the 1970s, the early CNB officers fought hard to protect Singapore from the scourge of drugs.

CNB officer finds opium hidden in scooter at Woodlands Checkpoint in 1973.
Early CNB officers conduct urine tests during long 16-hour work shifts.
CNB officers scale pipes and evade dogs during drug raids in early operations.
CNB officer with shield raids drug den where gunfire is heard, suspect later found dead.
First batch of CNB officers pose together in black-and-white photo with quote overlay.

'CNB50: Continuing the fight for a drug-free Singapore' commemorative stamp set

Three CNB 50th anniversary stamps with anti-drug messages in green, red, and blue.

In collaboration with Singapore Post, the set of three stamps features key anti-drug messages that serve as a reminder to CNB’s commitment towards keeping Singapore safe from drugs. Members of the public can purchase the stamps from all post offices, Philatelic Stores and online at shop.singpost.com from 7 December 2021.

CNB50 Commemorative coffee-table book: 'The Bureau's Fight for a #DrugFreeSG'

CNB's fight for a #DrugFreeSG with officers, flags, and Marina Bay cityscape background.

A commemorative coffee-table book to celebrate CNB’s 50th anniversary, The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG, launched on 7 December 2021. The 108-page book consists of five sections, charting out CNB’s evolution journey over the years through stories shared by both past and present CNB officers. The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG takes a look back at Singapore’s fight against drugs, how CNB came to being, CNB’s role since its beginnings in November 1971 through the years, and the commitment of CNB officers – past and present – who dedicate their lives to keep Singapore safe from drugs.

Download and read The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG [PDF, 3.8 MB].

CNB50 In the news

******

Interested in more stories?

Follow us on @cnb.drugfreesg on Facebook and Instagram!