In a significant crackdown on illicit drug activities, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) carried out a meticulously planned two-week island raid from August 14 to 25, 2023.
This operation has led to the apprehension of 130 individuals suspected of being involved in drug-related offenses.
Teenagers Among the Arrested
A startling revelation of this operation was the arrest of two teenagers – a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy. This distressing aspect of the operation underscores the pervasive nature of the drug problem, even among the youth.
The CNB’s operation yielded a substantial quantity of seized narcotics. The seized items included approximately 1,318 grams of heroin, 2,535 grams of cannabis, 486 grams of ‘Ice,’ 188 grams of ketamine, 62 grams of ‘Ecstasy,’ and 311 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets.
Additionally, 306 grams of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), 213 Erimin-5 tablets, and 51 LSD stamps were confiscated.
Notably, the raid also resulted in the seizure of 11 vape devices containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), three bottles of methadone, and six bottles of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate).
Apart from the substantial drug seizure, the CNB also confiscated a sum of S$1,503.05 in cash. This financial element further emphasizes the lucrative nature of the illicit drug trade.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is a staggering S$453,800. This assessment sheds light on the economic implications of the drug trade and the financial gains that criminal organizations stand to make.
Operation Coverage
The extensive operation spanned various areas including Kallang, Marine Parade, Pasir Ris, and Woodlands. These areas were targeted due to their reported association with drug-related activities.
Acting on intelligence received, CNB executed the operation with precision. On August 14, eight Singaporeans were apprehended in a residential unit near Woodlands Street 81. Among those arrested were the aforementioned teenagers, aged 15 and 17. The remaining suspects ranged in age from 37 to 59.
The two teenagers allegedly refused to obey the orders of the officers to open the door and climbed out of a bedroom window of the unit on the 2nd floor to evade capture, before being persuaded by the CNB officers to return to safety.
In certain instances, the other suspects put up violent resistance during the arrests. CNB noted that during these confrontations, some suspects displayed violent behavior. To ensure the safety of all parties involved and to enforce the law, CNB officers had to employ appropriate measures to subdue the resistance.
Seizures Within the Unit
Subsequent searches of the residential unit resulted in the discovery of 1 gram of ‘Ice,’ an ‘Ecstasy’ tablet, and various drug paraphernalia. This evidence further solidified the suspicions of the suspects’ involvement in drug-related activities.
The CNB’s efforts have not come to an end with these arrests. Investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing.