Singapore police have detained three men and two women after a serious security incident in Woodlands, where officers uncovered a cache of weapons, telecommunications items and substances believed to be linked to drug-related activities. The arrests followed swift ground operations and intelligence work by officers from the Woodlands Police Division and the Criminal Investigation Department.
The case came to light after police were alerted to a suspected instance of unauthorised possession of a firearm at an industrial building in the Woodlands Close area. Officers moved quickly, conducting extensive checks in the vicinity and reviewing images captured by police cameras. Within eight hours, a 23-year-old man was identified and arrested. He was later found to be in the company of four other individuals, leading to the arrest of all five suspects.
During searches, police seized a significant number of prohibited and suspicious items. These included two airsoft guns, a samurai sword, three machetes, an axe, a dagger, a baton, a knuckle duster and a taser. Officers also recovered bags of airsoft metal and plastic pellets, de-registered vehicle licence plates and a total of 72 SIM cards, raising concerns over potential criminal coordination or fraud-related activity.
WEAPONS AND ILLEGAL ITEMS SEIZED DURING OPERATION
In addition to the weapons, authorities found e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate, a controlled substance, along with items believed to be drugs and related paraphernalia. The presence of multiple SIM cards and modified car plates has drawn attention to possible links with organised crime, identity misuse and other serious offences that can pose risks to public safety in Singapore.
Two of the men, aged 23 and 34, are set to be charged in court for possession of scheduled weapons under the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act. Under the law, carrying or controlling such weapons without lawful purpose is a serious offence. First-time offenders may face up to five years’ imprisonment, along with mandatory caning.
The remaining individuals are also under investigation for various offences under several statutes, including the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act, the Road Traffic Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act. Suspected drug-related elements of the case have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau for further action.
STRICT LAWS HIGHLIGHT SINGAPORE’S ZERO-TOLERANCE APPROACH
This case underscores Singapore’s strict stance on illegal weapons, drugs and activities that threaten community safety. Authorities have repeatedly stressed that even imitation firearms and airsoft weapons can lead to severe penalties if possessed unlawfully. With rising concerns over scams, identity theft and organised crime, enforcement agencies continue to monitor industrial and residential areas closely.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious behaviour promptly, as early alerts can prevent escalation into more serious incidents. Singapore’s robust legal framework and enforcement efforts remain central to maintaining low crime rates and safeguarding residents, businesses and investments across the island.