Four arrested in anti-drug operations conducted at nightspots

                A series of enforcement operations was conducted at nightspots located in the Joo Chiat, Marina Bay and Bugis areas from 7 to 10 September 2023. The enforcement operation involved officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) as part of sustained efforts to clamp down on illegal activities, including drug offences and crime.

2.         A total of three male Singaporeans and one female foreign national were arrested for suspected drug-related offences, the youngest being a 19-year-old Singaporean teenager. In total, about 3g of ‘Ice’, 98g of ketamine, 46g of ‘Ecstasy’ tablets and 60g of powdery substance believed to be controlled drugs were seized.

Anti-drug operations at nightspot in Joo Chiat area on 7 September 2023 led to arrest of three suspected drug offenders

3.         In the night of 7 September, close to 20 persons in a nightspot located in the vicinity of Joo Chiat Road were checked during an enforcement operation that involved officers from CNB and SPF.  At around the same time, a 29-year-old female foreign national, who was observed by CNB officers to have earlier exited the nightspot, was arrested in a nearby open-air carpark. About 1g of ketamine was recovered from her.

4.         In follow-up operations the same night, CNB officers arrested a 26-year-old male Singaporean in the vicinity of Dunman Road. About 3g of ‘Ice’, 46g of ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, 90g of Ketamine and 60g of powdery substance believed to contain controlled drugs were seized from the vehicle he was in. CNB officers also arrested a 53-year-old male Singaporean in the vicinity of Petain Road, and about 7g of ketamine were recovered from him.

Photo 1 (CNB): A male suspect arrested in the vicinity of Dunman Road on 7 September 2023, in a follow-up from CNB’s enforcement operation at a nightspot in the Joo Chiat area.

Anti-drug operations conducted on 9 and 10 September 2023 at nightspots located in the Marina Bay and Bugis areas; one teenager arrested for suspected drug offences

5.         Over 90 persons in four nightlife establishments located in the Marina Bay and Bugis areas were checked during an overnight enforcement operation from 9 to 10 September involving officers from SPF and CNB. A 19-year-old male Singaporean was arrested for suspected drug-related offences.

Photos 2 and 3 (CNB): Saliva test kits deployed in anti-drug operations conducted at nightspots from 7 to 10 September 2023.

Photo 4 (CNB): Scene at one of the nightspots during anti-drug operations conducted from 7 to 10 September 2023

6.         Superintendent Lim Sze Yuk, Commanding Officer of Enforcement ‘A’ / ‘E’ Division, said:

The series of anti-drug operations at nightspots is part of CNB’s ongoing efforts aimed at keeping illicit drugs off Singapore’s streets and nightspots. CNB’s enforcement actions are necessary so that members of the public can enjoy Singapore’s nightlife safely without fear of being harmed by fellow partygoers or motorists under the influence of drugs. Our advice is clear – stay away from drugs. CNB will not hesitate to take firm action against drug offenders.”

7.        Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs. The importation and exportation, possession, sale and consumption of controlled drugs or products containing controlled drugs, is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973.

8.         Under the MDA, it is also an offence for a person to arrange for gatherings for drug abuse, and it is also an offence for the premise owner, tenant or occupier to permit the premises to be used for drug abuse or drug trafficking.

9.         Members of the public who would like to report on suspicious drug-related activities may submit it to us at https://www.eservices.cnb.gov.sg/feedback, or call the CNB hotline at 1800-325-6666.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU

10 September 2023