Nine persons were arrested for suspected drug-related offences and gambling offences following a joint enforcement operation conducted from 13 to 17 March 2023.
2 The enforcement operation was jointly led by officers from Woodlands Police Division and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and aimed to clamp down on illegal activities in Yishun, Sembawang, Woodlands and Marsiling, including illegal gambling, drug-related offences and other offences.
3 In the enforcement operation, seven men, aged between 24 and 66, and a 60-year-old woman, were arrested for suspected drug-related offences. Four Ziplock packets containing about 28.6 grams of brown granular substances believed to be controlled drugs, a mobile phone and some assorted drug paraphernalia were seized as case exhibits. A 27-year-old man was also arrested for allegedly gambling with an unlicensed gambling service provider. Investigations are ongoing.
4 Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs. The importation and exportation, possession, sale and consumption of controlled drugs or products containing controlled drugs, is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973.
5 Under the Gambling Control Act 2022, anyone who is found to be involved in unlawful betting operations shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $200,000 and shall also be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to five years. Under the same Act, any person who gambles with an unlicensed gambling service provider shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.
6 The Police and CNB take a serious view against all forms of illegal betting and drug-related activities. Members of the public are advised to steer clear of such activities. Individuals found to be involved in such illicit activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
23 March 2023
