More than 21,000 'Yaba' tablets seized at Woodlands Checkpoint, 3 suspects arrested in follow-up operation

In a joint operation conducted on 19 November 2013, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) intercepted a smuggling attempt of more than 21,000 ‘Yaba’ tablets at Woodlands Checkpoint. This is the largest single seizure of ‘Yaba’ tablets (methamphetamine tablets) since 1999.

At about 7.45pm on 19 November 2013, ICA officers checked on a Thailand-registered car driven by a male Thai national upon arrival. During physical inspection, the ICA officers found four black packages hidden behind the glove compartment of the car. The 51-year-old driver was immediately arrested.

CNB officers took over the case. The four black packages were found to contain a total of 21,910 ‘Yaba’ tablets, and had a street value of more than S$540,000. If convicted, the Thai national may face the death penalty.

CNB officers immediately launched two follow-up operations, and successfully arrested two Malaysian men and one Singaporean woman, aged between 35 and 41, in the Jalan Sultan area. They were suspected to be connected to the Thai national and this drug consignment. Investigations on the possible drug trafficking activities of the three are ongoing.

Director CNB Mr Ng Ser Song said, “The interception at Woodlands Checkpoint by ICA and subsequent follow-up operation inland by CNB illustrated the close partnership within the Home Team (HT). Together with our HT partners, CNB will maintain our relentless enforcement at the checkpoints to prevent individuals or drug syndicates from smuggling in illicit drugs.”

Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The security checks are critical to our nation’s security. We will continue to conduct security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. The same methods of concealment used by contraband smugglers may be used by terrorists to smuggle arms and explosives to carry out attacks in Singapore.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
AND
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
20 NOVEMBER 2013

‘Yaba’ tablets seized at Woodlands Checkpoint on 19 Nov 13

The vehicle seized in the operation on 19 Nov 13

Interior of the seized vehicle, where the ‘Yaba’ tablets were hidden