CNB takes out numerous drug traffickers in island-wide operations, 78 drug offenders arrested, 2.16kg heroin and drugs worth more than S$360,000 seized

Central Narcotics Bureau officers continued with their relentless enforcement against drug offenders, mounting island-wide operations targeting both drug abusers and traffickers, seizing sizeable amounts of drugs over 5 days, from 9 April 2012 to early morning of 13 April 2012. Arrests were made all across the island, including Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bendemeer, Bukit Merah, Clementi, Geylang Bahru, Joo Chiat, Jurong, Marsiling, Orchard, Upper Boon Keng, Whampoa and Yishun.

In total, 78 suspected drug offenders were arrested and drugs worth more than S$360,000 were seized, including approximately 2.16kg of heroin and 230 grammes of ‘Ice’.

‘Essence of Drugs’?

In the morning of 10 April, CNB officers raided a HDB unit in Marsiling and arrested two male (52 and 37 years old) and one female Singaporean (42 years old) within. About 300 grammes of heroin and 5 grammes of ‘Ice’, worth approximately S$46,000, were seized from the raid. During the operation, officers also seized two bottles of chicken essence found to contain an unknown powdery substance. The powdery substance has since been sent to the Health Sciences Authority for tests to determine its composition. The 37-year-old male and the female have been charged for drug trafficking. If convicted, they may face the death penalty. The 52-year-old male Singaporean has been admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre.

‘Drug Provision Store’ in Clementi

In the afternoon of 11 April, CNB officers raided another HDB unit in Clementi and arrested two male Singaporeans (54 and 50 years old) and a 40-year-old female Singaporean. Officers seized a cocktail of drugs from within the unit, including approximately 200 grammes of heroin, 4 grammes of ‘Ice’, some small amount of ‘Subutex’ and two ‘Ecstasy’ tablets. The drugs are estimated to have a street worth of more than S$32,000. The 50-year-old male has been charged for drug trafficking and the 54-year-old male has been admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre. Investigations on the female drug offender are ongoing.

Forced Entry into Drug Abuser Den

In the morning of 12 April, CNB officers raided two HDB apartments in the same block in Upper Boon Keng Road, where suspected drug activities were believed to be taking place. At the first unit, the occupants refused to comply with instructions to allow officers access into the unit. Forced entry was effected and officers swiftly placed the occupants under arrest. Five male Singaporeans were arrested within for suspected drug abuse. A small amount of heroin, ‘Ice’ and some drug paraphernalia were recovered from the occupants and the unit. Investigations into their drug activities are ongoing.

At the second unit in the same block, another team of CNB officers arrested a 27-year-old male Singaporean and seized a small amount of heroin and six small packets of ‘Ice’ from the unit. Drug paraphernalia, such as a weighing scale and numerous empty plastic packets, were also seized. He will be investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, he may face a minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.

Following up from the raids at the two units in Upper Boon Keng, CNB officers established that another HDB apartment in Geylang Bahru may be the hideout of a street pusher. A follow-up operation to apprehend the trafficker was launched immediately. In the ensuing raid on the unit at Geylang Bahru, officers arrested one male and one female Singaporean, both 24 years old. A small packet of ‘Ice’ was seized from within the unit, and also various drug paraphernalia, including a mini weighing scale and empty plastic packets. The female suspect has been admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre and the male suspect will be investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, he may face a minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.

Pre-Dawn Surprise for Two Drug Traffickers in Orchard Road

CNB has been investigating into the suspected drug trafficking activities of a 54-year-old male Singaporean for some months. On 13 April, CNB launched a pre-dawn operation against the suspected drug trafficker.

At about 5am on 13 April, a suspected drug courier was spotted with his motorcycle in the vicinity of Far East Shopping Centre in Orchard. CNB officers noticed that he seemed to be awaiting the arrival of someone. Separately, the suspected drug trafficker was spotted arriving in the vicinity in a taxi, and both persons were observed meeting up in the vicinity. CNB officers moved in immediately and arrested both suspects after they have gone off on their separate ways.

The suspected courier, a 24-year-old Malaysian, was surprised by the officers and did not resist arrest. A brown envelope that he was carrying was seized and found to contain cash totaling about S$10,400.

The suspected trafficker sensed danger and disposed a sling bag he had been carrying and took flight. Officers caught up with him after a short chase and placed him under arrest. Officers recovered the sling bag which was discarded by him earlier and from within the bag, officers recovered about 960 grammes of heroin, estimated to have a street worth of S$144,000, packed in two black-taped bundles. A straw of heroin and a small flip-knife were also found within the bag.

Both men will be investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, they may face the death penalty.

Director CNB, Mr Ng Ser Song said, “In an intensive week of operations, CNB seized a sizeable amount of drugs and arrested a large number of drug traffickers, street-level pushers and drug abusers alike. This continuous sustained week-long effort is a testament to CNB’s dedication to keeping Singapore’s streets safe from drug activities. We will spare no effort against all drug offenders, big or small.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
13 APRIL 2012

Arrests from island-wide operations

Seizure of drugs and cash from traffickers in Orchard