Statement by Mr Ng Ser Song, Director, Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore. (64th CNB-NCID Bilateral Meeting, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia)

“I would like to thank Director NCID Dato’ Sri Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff and NCID staff, for organising this fruitful 64th bilateral meeting, and for their continuing strong support to CNB in the fight against drugs. 

As shared by Dato’ Mokhtar, illicit drug trafficking is a global threat, and no country is spared from the harms it inflicts.  Drug trafficking syndicates take advantage of increasing globalisation and advances in technology to expand their trade, with the aim of achieving maximum profits.  Against such a well-connected adversary, it is all the more important, that fellow drug enforcement agencies cooperate with each other, in order to achieve maximum impact.  In 2016 and 2015, CNB and NCID cooperated on eight joint operations to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and drug distribution networks.

The emergence and proliferation of New Psychoactive Substances or NPS, adds to the challenges faced by all drug enforcement agencies.  According to the UNODC, there were at least 643 NPS identified as at 2015, a significant increase from 126 in 2009.  Against such a fast-evolving situation, law enforcement agencies must enhance cooperation and share information, knowledge and best practices to strengthen our collective efforts in the fight against illicit drugs.

CNB and NCID have been working closely for many years and our combined efforts have resulted in many successes.  Today we conclude our 64th bilateral meeting, and this is truly a testament to our close and enduring ties.  I look forward to many more years of cooperation between the two agencies, and many more successes ahead of us. 

Once again, I would like to thank Director NCID Dato’ Mokhtar and NCID staff, for their continued confidence and trust in CNB.  With NCID’s close and firm support, we are confident of continuing the good fight against the drug syndicates.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
11 APRIL 2017