62 arrested in CNB 4-day island-wide operation

In yet another island-wide operation carried out by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) from 17 April to morning of 21 April 2017, a total of 62 suspected drug offenders were arrested.  A total of about 1,930g of heroin, 950g of ‘Ice’, 1,560g of cannabis, 1,087 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, 595 Erimin-5 tablets and 80g of ketamine were seized.  The haul of drugs seized is estimated to be more than S$313,000.

The operation was supported by the Singapore Police Force, and the areas covered included Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Panjang, Chai Chee, Geylang, Jurong, Punggol, Sengkang, West Coast and Woodlands. 

Large haul of heroin & ‘Ice’ seized

In one of the cases during this island-wide operation, CNB officers arrested two suspected drug traffickers and seized a total of about 1kg of heroin, 200g of ‘Ice’, 90 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets and 11 Erimin-5 tablets. 

On 17 April 2017, CNB officers arrested a 32-year-old male and a 38-year-old female – both Singaporeans – in the vicinity of Woodlands Square.  They were brought to their rented car and a search of the car recovered about 920g of heroin, 21 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, a small amount of ‘Ice’ and drug-taking utensils. 

A search of the male suspect recovered various drugs including 57g of ‘Ice’, 63 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets, 11 Erimin-5 tablets and a small amount of heroin.

Both suspects were then brought to their hideout, a unit in a private apartment in the vicinity of Stevens Road.  A search of the unit recovered about 111g of heroin, 138g of ‘Ice’ and six ‘Ecstasy’ tablets. 

Investigations into the drug activities of all the arrested persons are ongoing.  The Misuse of Drugs Act provides for the death penalty if the amount of diamorphine (or pure heroin) trafficked exceeds 15g.  15g of diamorphine is equivalent to 1,250 straws, which is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 180 abusers for a week.  This is estimated using a typical purity level of 4%, based on drug seizures in recent years.

Mr Ong Pang Thong, Director Enforcement Sector-I, CNB, said: “CNB will not let-up on our enforcement efforts against drugs and drug abuse.  However, CNB needs the continued support of the community, especially parents, to actively help us in spreading and reinforcing the anti-drug message.  Parents should start the conversation on drugs early with their child to guide them away from drugs.  Parents can keep themselves updated on the tips to engage their child using CNB’s preventive drug education portal, at http://www.cnb.gov.sg/cnbpde/parents/default.aspx.

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
21 APRIL 2017

Photo 1: Heroin and ‘Ice’ seized during CNB operation on 17 April 2017, which saw arrest of two suspected drug traffickers.