27kg of Cocaine Found in Stuffed Toys at Changi Airport: 5 Foreign Women Arrested

In one of the year’s most significant drug trafficking busts, authorities at Singapore’s Changi Airport intercepted nearly 27 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside stuffed toys. The drugs were discovered inside the luggage of five foreign women transiting through Terminal 4.

Acting on intelligence received from Hong Kong law enforcement, officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) conducted a swift and coordinated operation on 29 July, arresting the suspects — who range in age from 21 to 48 years old — within the airport’s transit area.

The suspects were taken into custody after officers observed two of the women exchanging luggage, prompting a thorough search that uncovered the narcotics. In total, CNB officers recovered 26.9kg of cocaine and an additional 10g of cannabis.

International Tip-Off Led to Airport Security Operation

The operation was the result of an intelligence-sharing effort between CNB and the Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, highlighting the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation in combating international organised crime.

According to CNB’s covering director, Mr Sng Chern Hong, the successful bust underscores Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related offences and its ongoing investment in advanced airport security systems and personnel training.

“Those who attempt to traffic drugs through Singapore will be stopped and dealt with in accordance with the law,” Mr Sng stated, adding that the CNB remains committed to working with its global counterparts to stem the flow of narcotics across borders.

Harsh Penalties Under Singapore’s Drug Laws

Singapore maintains some of the world’s toughest anti-narcotics laws. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, trafficking more than 30g of cocaine can result in the mandatory death penalty. Although investigations into this case are still ongoing, the amount seized — nearly 27kg — far exceeds the threshold for capital punishment.

The women, who had only been in the airport transit zone and did not clear immigration, are now being investigated for their potential roles in a larger transnational drug trafficking syndicate. Authorities are exploring whether they were couriers, or knowingly complicit in the smuggling attempt.

Drug Smuggling Tactics Becoming More Creative

The concealment of drugs inside plush toys is part of a growing trend where traffickers use innocuous-looking items to bypass customs screening. This method adds to a long list of smuggling tactics that include hiding drugs in electronics, false compartments in luggage, and even within food packaging.

CNB’s detection was aided by behavioural surveillance and routine monitoring of passengers in transit, a process that has become standard for Singapore’s immigration and border control agencies.

Singapore’s Reputation as Drug-Free Hub at Stake

With Singapore known globally as a drug-free and safe travel hub, such incidents risk undermining its reputation for strict customs enforcement and legal certainty. Cases like this also highlight the challenges posed by transit zone trafficking, where individuals do not formally enter the country but still attempt to use Singapore as a conduit.

Travellers are reminded that ignorance of the law is no excuse, and anyone found carrying illicit substances — even without clearing immigration — is subject to the full extent of Singapore’s strict drug laws.

The five suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.