CNB operation nets two Singaporeans in drug bust worth S$692,000

SINGAPORE: The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) executed a targeted operation resulting in the arrest of two Singaporean men suspected of drug offenses on Tuesday (4 June).

The operation, which took place in the late hours of the day, resulted in the significant seizure of illicit substances, including approximately 4.5kg of cannabis and 968g of ‘Ice’, a potent form of methamphetamine.

According to CNB reports released on Thursday (6 June), the drugs confiscated in this operation have an estimated value of about S$692,000 (US$514,000) and could potentially sustain the addiction of approximately 1,200 users for a week.

The arrest unfolded when CNB officers intercepted a vehicle at a multi-storey carpark near Choa Chu Kang Street 51.

The driver, a 38-year-old man, and his 27-year-old passenger, both Singaporean nationals, were apprehended.

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a cache of narcotics, including 4.5kg of cannabis, 968g of ‘Ice’, 63g of ketamine, 1,180 Erimin-5 tablets, 1,170g of ‘Ecstasy’, and 181 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps.

“Both men were then escorted to a riser nearby where another 50 Erimin-5 tablets were recovered,” the bureau said.

During the arrest, two CNB officers sustained injuries as the suspects resisted compliance with lawful orders, resulting in a violent confrontation.

The injured officers received outpatient treatment for lacerations sustained during the incident.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Aaron Tang, Director of the Intelligence Division, condemned the actions of drug traffickers, emphasizing their disregard for societal harm and the risks posed to law enforcement personnel’s safety.

“Drug traffickers only care about making as much profit as possible and will stop at nothing to get at that, even if it means causing harm to our society and inflicting injuries to CNB officers who are carrying out their duties,” he said.

He affirmed the CNB’s unwavering commitment to combatting drug-related activities, pledging increased efforts to disrupt such nefarious operations.

“But this will not deter us from carrying out our mission to take them out. In fact, this will only strengthen our resolve for us to work even harder to disrupt their nefarious drug activities.”

Under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, trafficking in controlled substances carries severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty for individuals found guilty of trafficking significant quantities of methamphetamine or cannabis.

Investigations into the drug activities of the arrested individuals are currently ongoing.