3.4kg of Ice worth about $850,000 intercepted by CNB and ICA officers at Changi Airport

In a joint operation held on 17 December 2012, officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) successfully foiled an attempt by a 27-year-old Thai female to traffic approximately 3.4kg of “Ice” at the Changi Airport Terminal 3 arrival hall.

Interception at Changi Airport

At about 1800hrs, the 27-year-old female was stopped by both CNB and ICA officers for a more detailed check at the arrival hall. The Thai had arrived on a flight from New Delhi and was to transit to another flight in Singapore when she was stopped by the officers.

Her backpack was screened through the X-ray machine and anomalies were detected in her backpack. The officers also noticed that the weight of the backpack was unusually heavy. The backpack was searched and a big packet of crystalline substances believed to be “Ice”, weighing approximately 3.4kg, was discovered in a false compartment of the backpack. The estimated street value of the drugs found is about $850,000.

The 27-year-old Thai female was immediately placed under arrest. She is being investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, she may face the death penalty.

Continued vigilance by the Home Team

Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. We have tightened our security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands.

Director CNB Mr Ng Ser Song said, “We will not tolerate any drug syndicates who make use of Singapore’s excellent transport infrastructure to carry out drug activities. We will bring the full force of the law against them swiftly and firmly. The Home Team agencies will continue to work together and stamp out these illicit drug activities at the checkpoints.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
18 DECEMBER 2012