Suspected Trafficking of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS); Two Arrested

Two Singaporean males, ages 58 and 34, have been arrested for suspected trafficking of substantial amount of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio Ave 3.

2. On the afternoon of 16 September 2019, Central Narcotics Bureau officers were deployed in the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 to conduct observation on the 34-year-old male. He was seen entering a residential unit located at one of the blocks in the vicinity. Officers immediately effected arrest on the 34-year-old at the void deck, after he left the unit. From the 34-year-old, officers recovered two packets each containing a small amount of brownish powder and white powder.

3. Shortly after, the 58-year-old male was seen exiting the same unit for a smoke at the void deck. Seizing the window of opportunity, CNB officers swiftly moved in to arrest the 58-year-old and escorted him back to the unit. From within the unit, officers uncovered drug utensils and five different packets of powdery substances weighing a total of about 921g. Based on preliminary analysis, the substances are believed to contain Class A controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

4. Investigations into the drug activities of the suspects are ongoing. New psychoactive substances (NPS), also known colloquially as ‘mushroom’, are substances that mimic the effects of other Class A controlled drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and ‘Ecstasy’, and are produced by introducing slight modifications to the chemical structures of controlled drugs. Their abuse has been linked to adverse physical and psychological reactions, including paranoia, seizures, hallucinations and even death. The consumption, possession, trafficking, import or export of any controlled drugs is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Any person found guilty of trafficking Class A controlled drugs will face a minimum of five years’ imprisonment and five strokes of the cane.

Photos- 1 and 2 (CNB): Brownish powdery substance recovered from CNB’s operation at Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 on 16 September 2019.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU

18 SEPTEMBER 2019