98 arrested in 4-day island-wide operation. Youth cannabis abuse group busted

In the latest island-wide operation launched by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), nine suspected drug traffickers and 89 suspected drug abusers were arrested and a variety of drugs seized. The operation, launched on 18 August till early morning of 22 August, was supported by officers from the Singapore Police Force and some of the areas where officers were deployed included Bedok, Boon Lay, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Commonwealth, Hougang, Telok Blangah and Woodlands.

About 72g of heroin, 19g of ‘Ice’, 56g of cannabis and five ‘Ecstasy’ tablets were seized from the whole operation. Investigations on all the suspects are ongoing.

Group of youth cannabis abusers and traffickers busted

In one of the operations on 19 August 2014, CNB arrested a group of seven youths aged between 19 to 26 years old who were believed to be involved in abusing cannabis. Two of the arrested persons are also being investigated for drug trafficking.

The first suspect, a 20-year-old male, was arrested in the afternoon of 19 August in the vicinity of Joo Seng Road for suspected abuse and trafficking of cannabis. Investigations into his drug activities are ongoing.

Following investigations from the first arrest, CNB officers arrested another 20-year-old male suspected trafficker at his residence in Pasir Ris. Among the items seized from within his bedroom included a packet believed to be stained with cannabis, a weighing scale and numerous empty plastic packets. Investigations into his drug trafficking activities are ongoing.

Following the arrest of the two suspected cannabis traffickers, CNB move in swiftly and arrested another group of youth cannabis abusers. On the night of 19 August 2014, CNB officers arrested a 19-year-old female at her residence in Bedok South. Hours later, CNB officers arrested another three suspected cannabis abusers at a unit located at Hougang Street 61. The three were a 21-year-old male, a 24-year-old female and a 26-year-old male.

Rounding up the operation, CNB officers arrested another 19-year-old suspected cannabis abuser at his residence in Woodlands in the early hours of 20 August 2014. All those arrested were Singaporeans.

Investigations on all seven suspects are ongoing.

The main psychoactive ingredient that causes the high from abusing cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Effects of cannabis abuse include euphoria, anxiety and disorientation. Cannabis is not only addictive but may also affect some fundamental brain functions, intelligence, academic and job performance. Long-term abuse of cannabis can cause respiratory problems, affect one’s mental development and may even lead to death.

CNB would like to remind the public that cannabis is a Class A controlled drug listed in the Misuse of Drugs Act. Consumption, possession or trafficking of cannabis is an offence and CNB will adopt a zero tolerance stance in enforcing these offences.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
22 AUGUST 2014

One of the suspects arrested in CNB’s island-wide operation from 18 – 22 August 2014.