CNB seizes 3.4kg heroin, 1kg ketamine & 5,000 Erimin-5 tablets worth over half-a-million dollars over a 5-day blitz

Over a 5-day period starting from Saturday, 14 January 2012, CNB seized a sizeable amount of drugs which were destined to be distributed over the coming festive holiday. A total haul of about 3.4kg of heroin, 1kg of ketamine and 5,000 Erimin-5 tablets were seized, estimated to be worth approximately S$590,000.

Dismantling of a Drug Syndicate

On 18 January 2012, CNB conducted investigations into a major drug trafficking syndicate which had sought to stock-up sizeable amounts of heroin, to take advantage of the coming long-weekend of festivities. The syndicate is suspected to be distributing heroin over various part of Singapore.

At about 2pm on 18 Jan 2012, two suspected drug traffickers from the syndicate, male Singaporeans aged 36 years and 53 years, were spotted in a silver-coloured car in Ang Mo Kio. CNB officers tailed them to Serangoon North, where the 53-year-old suspect was seen alighting with a black sling bag at the entrance of a carpark. When the officers moved in to arrest him, he attempted to flee but he was successfully apprehended after a short chase. One big bundle wrapped in black tape was found in the black sling bag and this was later found to contain approximately 920 grammes of heroin, estimated to be worth S$138,000. Meanwhile, CNB officers also moved in to arrest the 36-year-old suspect at another part of the carpark. The drug suspect struggled violently and resisted arrest but he was eventually subdued by the officers.

Cash amounting to about S$6,580 was also recovered from the two suspected drug traffickers. They will be investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, they may face the death penalty.

Earlier, on 14 January 2012, CNB had arrested another male Singaporean who is suspected to be a member of the same syndicate, and believed to be distributing large amounts of heroin. This male drug trafficker was arrested with approximately 2,440 grammes of heroin, estimated to be worth approximately S$366,000. He is being remanded for further investigation. If convicted, he may face the death penalty.

Large haul of ketamine and Erimin-5 intercepted at Woodlands Checkpoint

Separately in the evening of 17 January 2012, a male Singaporean driving a Singapore-registered car was stopped as part of a routine search by enforcement agencies stationed at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

Prior to searching the vehicle, CNB officers conducted a routine questioning of the driver and noticed that he appeared somewhat nervous. Sensing the possibility that something was amiss, the officers then proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle and recovered about 5,000 Erimin-5 tablets hidden underneath a cushioned seat cover on the front passenger seat. Another approximately 1kg of ketamine was recovered from the rear pocket of the front passenger seat. The drugs seized from the vehicle are estimated to be worth almost S$85,000.

The male Singaporean is being investigated for the offence of importation of controlled drugs. If convicted, he may face a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane.

In the run-up to a long-weekend of festive celebration, CNB will continue with its intensive enforcement efforts, both inland and at the checkpoints, to keep Singapore safe from illicit drugs.

Central Narcotics Bureau 19 January 2012

Black bundle containing heroin and cash seized on 18 Jan 2012

Approximately 1kg of ketamine and 5,000 Erimin-5 pills detected at Woodlands Checkpoint on 17 Jan 2012