Two simultaneous operations by CNB yielded 2.9kg Ice & 450gm heroin seizure worth $644,800 - A West African and Singaporean arrested

CNB struck out simultaneously at two locations on 21 May afternoon, hitting out hard at drug traffickers and importers alike. A total of approximately 2.9kg of Ice and 450 grammes of heroin were seized, valued at S$644,800.

The first operation took place on 21 May 12 at around 3pm at Changi Airport Terminal 1’s arrival hall. CNB officers had found two boxes containing 12 lead pistons in a check-in nylon baggage carried by a female West African. With the assistance of officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, anomalies were spotted in the x-ray images of the pistons being scanned.

The pistons were prised open by officers and packets of crystalline substances, believed to be Ice, were found hidden in each piston. Approximately 2.7kg of Ice was found, worth more than half a million dollars, this year’s largest seizure to date.

The 28-year-old West African, who had with her about eight different currencies, was immediately placed under arrest. The suspected drug courier is being investigated for drug importation. If convicted, she may face the death penalty.

Meanwhile, CNB officers were deployed in the same afternoon to Bukit Batok West, where they intercepted a car at a junction in Bukit Batok West Avenue. CNB officers arrested a 38-year-old male Singaporean after a short chase. In his attempt to escape, he had thrown away a blue plastic bag. The plastic bag was retrieved and was found to contain two brown envelopes of substances, believed to be heroin, weighing approximately 450 grammes (about 1,600 straws of heroin). About 125 grammes of Ice were found on the floor mat of the front passenger seat of the car. The suspected drug trafficker is being investigated for the offence of drug trafficking and may face the death penalty if convicted.

Mr Ng Ser Song, Director CNB, said, “Let this be a warning to the West African drug syndicates still active in the region. We will not tolerate any drug syndicates, West African or otherwise, to make use of Singapore’s excellent transport connectivity to carry out their drug activities. We will bring the full force of the law against them, swiftly and firmly. CNB will continue our relentless effort to stamp out the syndicates.”

CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
22 MAY 2012