Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB)
News

Telegram drug activities disrupted in CNB crackdown; No anonymity for drug offenders operating online

29 September 2026

           The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) continues to take firm action against illegal drug activities conducted through online platforms, sending a clear warning that those who use chat applications such as Telegram to promote and/or engage in drug-related activities will be identified and dealt with under the law.

2.        CNB’s investigations into drug-related activities detected across multiple Telegram channels revealed links to more than one drug trafficking network. Subsequent enforcement operations conducted on 15 September 2026 led to island-wide arrests of 39 suspected drug offenders. About half of them were below 30 years old. The drugs seized included cannabis, ‘Ice’ and ‘Ecstasy’ and several drug paraphernalia. Preliminary investigation found that 19 of those arrested were linked to the same drug trafficking network.

3.        The operation demonstrates CNB’s capability to detect online drug activities, develop actionable intelligence and take swift enforcement action against those involved. CNB remains concerned about the exposure of young persons to misinformation about drugs and pro-drug content online, and will continue to work with the Singapore Police Force to issue directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to restrict access by persons in Singapore to Telegram accounts and channels linked to drug activities. These efforts demonstrate CNB's commitment to disrupt online drug trafficking networks and restrict access to online drug-related content.

Photo 1 (CNB): Drug listings on a Telegram channel uncovered by CNB.

Photo 1 (CNB): Drug listings on a Telegram channel uncovered by CNB.

Photos 2 and 3 (CNB): Text conversation between a drug client and his supplier through Telegram – uncovered in CNB operation conducted on 15 September 2026.
Photos 2 and 3 (CNB): Text conversation between a drug client and his supplier through Telegram – uncovered in CNB operation conducted on 15 September 2026.

Photos 2 and 3 (CNB): Text conversation between a drug client and his supplier through Telegram – uncovered in CNB operation conducted on 15 September 2026.

4.        Commenting on the operation, Assistant Commissioner Ng Khai Song, Director of Intelligence Division, said:

“Drug traffickers should be under no illusion that online platforms will shield them from enforcement. Every online interaction leaves a trail. CNB actively monitors the online space, develops intelligence and acts decisively to detect and disrupt drug activities. Those involved will be traced and dealt with under the law. We also leverage legal powers under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to disrupt online drug activities and restrict access to drug-related content. Our message is clear: Drug offenders cannot hide behind online anonymity. Anyone involved in drug-related activities whether online or offline is not beyond CNB's reach.”

5.        As CNB continues to combat negative online influences through rigorous enforcement and preventive drug education, parents and trusted adults can safeguard youths against pro-drug content, by guiding them to question misleading online narratives and understand the harms of drug abuse.

6.        Investigations into the drug activities of the arrested suspects are ongoing.


CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
29 September 2026