3kg heroin seized; 6 arrested; drug syndicate dismantled

On 24 July 2014, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) launched an operation to dismantle a drug syndicate. In total, six suspects were arrested. CNB also seized about 3,041g heroin and 215g of Ice in the operation. The drugs had a total street value of more than S$353,000. Officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF) assisted in this operation.

In the operation, CNB targeted a 41-year-old male Singaporean, who was suspected to be heading a drug syndicate which was actively distributing heroin in the local market. The 41-year-old obtained his supplies from a neighbouring country.

On 24 July 2014 late afternoon, CNB arrested two male Malaysians, aged 21 and 33, in a taxi in the Woodlands vicinity. About 2,330g of heroin were recovered from under the front passenger seat of the taxi. S$15,000 in cash was also recovered from one of the Malaysians. At about the same time, CNB and SPF officers arrested another 34-year-old Singapore male, a suspected drug trafficker, who was driving along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). The arrest, which was effected along the AYE, was done swiftly and decisively, and the suspect’s vehicle was immediately shifted to a nearby location to minimise disruption to traffic and to ensure both the public’s and the officers’ safety.

In a follow-up raid, the 41-year-old was arrested at a housing block in the Admiralty vicinity. The 41-year-old and the 34-year-old Singaporeans were brought to their hideout in Geylang where CNB officers seized another about 709g of heroin and 215g of Ice. A 21-year-old male and a 37-year-old female, both Singaporeans, were also arrested.

The 21-year-old male and the 37-year-old female are being investigated for drug consumption offence. The other four drug suspects are being investigated for drug trafficking. 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.

Director CNB Mr Ng Ser Song said, “The operation is a testament of the Home Team’s close cooperation and our commitment to keep the streets of Singapore safe from drugs. I thank all the officers involved in the operation. CNB will continue to intensify our enforcement efforts and we will not hesitate to take firm action against drug offenders.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
25 JULY 2014

Heroin and Ice seized in a CNB operation on 24 July 2014.

A car that was seized in a CNB operation on 24 July 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.