A 50-year-old Singaporean man on the run for months over suspected drug offences has finally been apprehended by Thai authorities. The arrest took place in Bangkok following a joint effort between Thailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The suspect, identified as Tan Leng Chong, was captured during a coordinated raid on a Bangkok hotel. With him were two Indonesian nationals — a man and a woman — believed to be his accomplices. Police found a sizeable quantity of illegal substances in their possession, including ecstasy, ketamine, and Erimin 5.
According to Thai officials, Tan had been actively smuggling drugs from central Thailand to Singapore, using airline passengers’ carry-on luggage to bypass detection. The narcotics were then distributed within Singapore’s nightlife and party scene, particularly among tourists and club-goers.
Drugs Found in Hotel Room, Luxury Maserati Seized
Tan’s arrest is part of a larger regional crackdown on transnational drug trafficking networks. Authorities revealed that the bust was the result of weeks of surveillance, after CNB tipped off Thai police about Tan’s movements from Pattaya to Bangkok.
In addition to the drugs recovered from the hotel room, Thai police also seized a Maserati registered to Tan. The luxury vehicle bore a fake number plate, prompting investigations into potential money laundering. Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has since launched proceedings to freeze the suspect’s assets.
A spokesperson from the Thai Narcotics Suppression Bureau said the arrest sends a strong message to international traffickers: “Those who think they can outrun justice across borders will eventually be caught. We are working closely with ASEAN counterparts to disrupt the drug supply chain.”
Extradition Pending, Suspect Faces Death Penalty If Convicted in Singapore
Tan has been on Singapore’s wanted list since May 2025, when a warrant was issued against him for suspected drug offences. His arrest in Thailand could lead to extradition proceedings, depending on the outcome of investigations and cooperation between both countries.
If convicted in Singapore, Tan could face the death penalty under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which prescribes capital punishment for trafficking large amounts of controlled substances. Under Thai law, he also faces serious criminal charges that could result in decades of imprisonment.
The case has raised concerns over the ease with which traffickers exploit air travel routes in Southeast Asia. Authorities are expected to review screening protocols and increase intelligence sharing across the region to better combat such organised syndicates.
This incident follows another major drug arrest earlier this year, where a Singaporean man was busted for smuggling drug-laced vape products worth over S$600,000 into Thailand. The growing frequency of such cross-border crimes has put law enforcement agencies on high alert.