CNB Workplan Seminar 2026
22 July 2026
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) held its Workplan Seminar on 22 July 2026 at the Singapore Expo Max Atria. Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, delivered a keynote speech at the event. She was joined by about 600 participants from the public and private sectors, including CNB officers, working committee members of the Inter-Ministry Committee (IMC) on Drug Prevention for Youths, DrugFreeSG Champions and Advocates as well as community partners.
2. In her keynote address, SMS Sim spoke about the worsening global drug situation and how countries around the world are responding to the growing challenges to safety and security. She shared CNB's multi-pronged response to mitigating the evolving threat, which spans effective enforcement operations, preventive drug education in partnership with the community, and rehabilitation initiatives. She also highlighted the importance of CNB's engagement with international agencies and organisations, in combating the evolving modus operandi of transnational drug trafficking syndicates. To stay ahead of the curve, she shared CNB's transformation efforts and future plans under CNB 2030, to leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance drug detection, digitalise training and develop future-ready capabilities. Through this transformation journey, CNB seeks to become more agile and future-ready to keep Singapore safe from the harms of drugs.
3. During the exhibition tour, SMS Sim and guests were introduced to CNB's suite of operational capabilities and technology initiatives. A key technological initiative is the Next-Generation Reporting Centre (NGRC), which is being progressively rolled out at CNB’s frontline enforcement units from 1 July 2026. The NGRC uses automation to minimise the need for manual intervention in the handling of urine specimens, enhancing consistency, hygiene, and efficiency. SMS Sim also engaged with CNB officers, DrugFreeSG Champions and Advocates, on strengthening partnerships with the community to amplify DrugFreeSG messages within the community.
4. Mr Sebastian Tan, Director of CNB, commended CNB officers for their dedication and courage in experimenting with innovative solutions to redefine the future of CNB’s operations work, and thanked partners for their continued support of the drug-free cause. He said:
"I would like to commend CNB officers and our partners for your commitment to the drug-free cause. Our strength lies not just in our operational capabilities, but in the officers dedicated to the cause, the partnerships we forge, and the community that rallies behind the work we do. I am confident that we can grow stronger together in this journey ahead. With our partners’ strong support, CNB will press on in this fight against drugs and strive towards a Singapore without drugs, where everyone can live, work and play safely."
5. Also in attendance was Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Vice Chairman of the National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA). He underscored the significance of the occasion, stating:
“The National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) is deeply encouraged by the CNB’s steadfast commitment to partnering the community. The close and enduring partnership between CNB and NCADA reflects our shared conviction that Singapore’s strongest defence against drugs is not enforcement alone, but a well-informed, resilient and united community. By combining CNB’s operational expertise and community insights with NCADA’s community outreach and advocacy, we can build a safer, healthier and drug-free Singapore for generations to come. Together, we will continue to amplify credible, evidence-based preventive drug education, foster greater public awareness, and build a strong drug-free culture across every segment of society.”

Photo 1 (CNB): Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, giving her keynote speech at the CNB Workplan Seminar on 22 July 2026.


Photos 2 – 3 (CNB): Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs, and Mr Sebastian Tan, Director of CNB, viewing the Next-Generation Reporting Centre and the Automated Exhibit Management System at the CNB Workplan Seminar on 22 July 2026.

Photo 4 (CNB): Dr Chew Tuan Chiong, Vice Chairman of NCADA (first from left), Mr Tan Chye Hee, Permanent Secretary (Home Affairs) (second from left), Mr Sebastian Tan, Director of CNB (fourth from left), Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs (centre), with DrugFreeSG Champions and Advocates at the CNB Workplan Seminar on 22 July 2026.
CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
22 July 2026
