81 arrested in Singapore anti-drug operation as S$105,000 worth of controlled substances seized
A total of 81 suspected drug offenders were arrested following a five-day island-wide anti-drug operation carried out by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The operation took place from Aug. 17 to 21 and covered several parts of Singapore, including Toa Payoh, Telok Blangah and Punggol.
Authorities seized various controlled substances with an estimated street value of more than S$105,500, alongside several weapons discovered at a residential unit.
Hundreds of grams of controlled substances seized
The seized substances included approximately 529g of methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”, 375g of heroin, 27g of cannabis, 10g of ketamine and 10g of “Ecstasy”. Eleven Erimin-5 tablets were also recovered during the operation.
According to CNB, the quantities of heroin, Ice and cannabis seized could potentially support the addiction of about 484 abusers for approximately one week.
One of the major operations took place on Aug. 17 in the vicinity of Punggol Field, where CNB officers arrested a 38-year-old Singaporean man at the lift landing of a residential block.
The man was allegedly wanted in connection with drug trafficking offences. Officers subsequently escorted him to a hideout in the same block after his arrest.
Several people arrested at Punggol unit
According to CNB, occupants of the unit refused to comply with lawful instructions to open the door, resulting in officers forcing entry into the premises.
During the operation, officers reportedly saw objects being thrown from a bedroom window. The items were later recovered and identified as drug-related paraphernalia.
A search of the unit led to the arrests of a 40-year-old male foreign national, three Singaporeans aged 46, 26 and 36, and subsequently a 40-year-old Singaporean woman who returned to the unit.
The individuals were arrested on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking activities.
Officers recovered approximately 439g of Ice, 300g of heroin, 22g of cannabis, 9g of ketamine, 10g of Ecstasy and one Erimin-5 tablet from various locations within the unit.
Weapons also discovered inside unit
The 26-year-old Singaporean man was later escorted to his vehicle, where officers recovered additional Ice.
The search also uncovered several weapons inside the residential unit. These included a dagger, knuckledusters, katanas and knives.
The weapons were seized and subsequently handed over to the Singapore Police Force. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the discovery remain ongoing.
CNB said investigations into the drug activities of all 81 arrested suspects are also continuing.
Serious penalties under Singapore law
Singapore imposes severe penalties for serious drug trafficking offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973.
Those convicted of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine, also known as pure heroin, or more than 250g of methamphetamine can face the mandatory death penalty, subject to the specific circumstances and legal requirements of their cases.
The latest arrests come amid Singapore’s continued enforcement against illegal drug trafficking and possession. Suspects remain subject to investigation, and any eventual charges or convictions will depend on the evidence and legal proceedings.
CNB has not indicated when investigations into the arrested individuals will be completed.