MASSIVE DRUG BUST: 113 SUSPECTED OFFENDERS ARRESTED IN ISLAND-WIDE OPERATION, INCLUDING 2 15-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS
In a major crackdown on drug-related activities, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 113 suspected drug offenders in an island-wide operation conducted from August 12 to 23, 2024. The operation, which covered areas such as Bukit Timah, Ghim Moh, Hougang, Jurong, Marsiling, Mountbatten, and Tampines, resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of drugs with an estimated street value of approximately S$1.54 million.
Among those arrested were two 15-year-old students, one of whom was suspected of drug abuse, while the other was arrested for suspected drug trafficking in follow-up investigations. The arrests of these young individuals have raised concerns about the growing drug problem among Singapore’s youth.
The operation saw the seizure of a wide range of drugs, including 9.8kg of heroin, 3.3kg of “Ice”, 620g of cannabis, 72g of ketamine, 171g of methamphetamine pills, 74 tablets, and 48g of “Ecstasy” tablets, as well as 4,404 Erimin-5 tablets and 11 LSD stamps.
One of the most significant seizures was made on August 14, when a 67-year-old Singaporean man was arrested with 9.5kg of heroin, 2.6kg of “Ice”, and other drugs, with an estimated total worth of about S$1.4 million. This is the largest single heroin seizure in 2024, according to the CNB.
The arrests and seizures have sparked concerns about the drug situation in Singapore, particularly among the youth. CNB’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Saherly Bin Limat, Director of Enforcement, emphasized the need for parents to engage their children in conversations about drugs and their harmful effects. He noted that parents play a crucial role in preventive drug education, and that the CNB has online resources available to help them start these conversations.
The CNB is continuing to investigate all arrested suspects, and the operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities in Singapore.