Celebrating 50 Years of the Central Narcotics Bureau

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) held the CNB50 Anniversary Event on 7 December 2021 to honour its achievements over the past 50 years. 

2.           This event, held at Goodwood Park Hotel, marks 50 years since CNB was first set up in 1971 as the primary drug enforcement agency in Singapore. From a pioneer team of 20 officers, CNB has since adapted and transformed over the years into a leading drug enforcement agency to enforce, educate and engage for a drug-free Singapore. The event celebrates CNB’s 50th anniversary, its achievements over the past 50 years, and the contributions of past and present CNB officers.

3.           At the event, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the commemorative stamp set titled CNB50: Continuing the Fight for a Drug-Free Singapore[1]. 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.

4.           Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also launched the CNB50 commemorative coffee-table book, The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG[2]. The book charts CNB’s evolution and achievements over the years in the fight against drugs. It pays tribute to CNB’s pioneer team of officers who ensured the early success of the newly-formed Bureau, and features personal stories of courage, dedication and commitment shared by past and present CNB officers. 

Photo 1 (CNB): Distinguished guests at the CNB50 Anniversary Event on 7 December 2021

From left to right,
1st row: Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law Mr K Shanmugam, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Director of CNB Mr Ng Ser Song
2nd row: Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment Mr Desmond Tan
3rd row: Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Mr Pang Kin Keong, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Development Mr Chew Hock Yong
4th row: Deputy Director CNB (Operations) Mr Leon Chan, Deputy Director CNB (Policy & Administration) Mr Sng Chern Hong

Photo 2 (CNB): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with past Directors of CNB
From left to right: Mr Tee Tua Ba, Mr Tan Seck Kang, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Eric Tan, Mr Sim Poh Heng, Mr Ng Seng Liang

Photo 3 (CNB): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with key partners of CNB
From left to right: Mr Phillip Tan Eng Seong (Chairman, Yellow Ribbon SG), Mr Kaka Singh (Vice President, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Hawazi Daipi (Chairman, National Council Against Drug Abuse)

Photo 4 (CNB): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the CNB50 Anniversary Event on 7 December 2021

Photo 5 (CNB): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong holding the commemorative coffee-table book, The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG after its launch

Photo 6 (Ministry of Communications and Information): Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong with Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, Mr K Shanmugam, and Director CNB Mr Ng Ser Song, during the cake cutting ceremony

[1] See Annex A, for information on the commemorative stamp set, CNB50: Continuing the Fight for a Drug-Free Singapore
[2] See Annex B, for information on the commemorative coffee-table book, The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
7 DECEMBER 2021

ANNEX A

'CNB50: Continuing the Fight for a Drug-Free Singapore'
Commemorative Stamp Set

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) celebrates ‘CNB50’ this year, commemorating 50 years of anti-drug enforcement, education and engagement efforts since its formation in November 1971.

2           At the CNB50 Anniversary Event held at the Goodwood Park Hotel on 7 December 2021, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the ‘CNB50: Continuing the Fight for a Drug-Free Singapore’ Commemorative Stamp Set.

3           With varying typography, the set of 3 stamps features the following key anti-drug messages, in sequence: (1) Stop Drug Abuse, (2) Say No to Drugs, and (3) Drugs Destroy Lives. These messages serve as a reminder of CNB’s commitment for a Singapore without drugs, where everyone can live, work and play safely.

Photo 1 (SingPost): The set of 3 stamps featuring key anti-drug messages

4           An exclusive presentation pack is also specially designed for CNB’s staff and partners, illustrating elements of CNB’s mission to Enforce, Educate and Engage for a drug-free Singapore. It also contains a customised message from Mr Ng Ser Song, Director CNB, to celebrate CNB’s golden jubilee and to extend gratitude to generations of CNB officers, from past to present.

Photo 2 (SingPost): Exclusive Presentation Pack for CNB’s staff and partners

5           A separate presentation pack, which will be made available for members of public to purchase from 7 December 2021, contains a write-up on CNB’s transformation journey over the years and takes a look 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.

Photo 3 (SingPost): Presentation Pack available for purchase by members of public

6           In addition, the cover of the presentation pack also features CNB’s elite team, the Special Task Force, fully equipped in their operational gear and ready to cripple drug syndicates for a safer and drug-free Singapore. 

ANNEX B

CNB50 Commemorative Coffee-Table Book:
"The Bureau's Fight for a #DrugFreeSG

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) celebrates ‘CNB50’ this year, commemorating 50 years of anti-drug enforcement, education and engagement efforts since its formation in November 1971.

2           At the CNB50 Anniversary Event held at the Goodwood Park Hotel on 7 December 2021, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the CNB50 Commemorative Coffee-Table Book titled The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG. 

Photo 1 (CNB): A commemorative coffee-table book to celebrate CNB’s 50th anniversary, The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG, launched on 7 December 2021.

3           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.

4          Section 1 of the book outlines the foundational years of CNB and the challenges faced by its pioneer team of officers, who persevered and ensured the early success of the newly-formed drug enforcement agency. This section also provides an insight into Operation Ferret, the operation that marked the turning point in Singapore’s fight against heroin in the 1970s.

5          Sections 2 and 3 detail CNB’s evolution and achievements over five decades. These sections highlight the drug trends over the years, and how CNB adapted and transformed to ensure that it remained relevant and well-positioned to take on the critical role of keeping Singapore safe from drugs. The book also pays tribute to CNB’s community partners, as well as regional and international partners, who are essential in Singapore’s fight against drugs.

6           Section 4 provides a snapshot of CNB today, and how CNB remains a formidable and effective anti-drug force. This section features interesting personal stories from CNB officers, highlighting the courage, dedication and commitment of its officers. The book also offers a glimpse into the strong camaraderie shared by CNB officers, a key factor in contributing to CNB’s successes over the years.

7           Lastly, the final section of the book highlights the road ahead for CNB.

8           The web version of The Bureau’s Fight for a #DrugFreeSG can be found at CNB’s website www.cnb.gov.sg/cnb50.