News
509kg of cannabis bound for UK detected at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station
Seven persons were arrested in the UK, and another 412kg of cannabis in a separate container was also seized.
April 28, 2026, 02:37 AM
Photos from HOIO, UK Border Force & WM ROCU
Singapore and United Kingdom (UK) authorities intercepted a transnational drug network during a cross-border operation.
The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB), UK’s Home Office International Operations (HOIO), Border Force, and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit (WM ROCU) were involved in the joint effort, an Apr. 27 news release said.
509kg of cannabis detected at Pasir Panjang
On Jan. 3, an inbound container measuring 20 feet (6.1m), carrying 509kg of cannabis was detected at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station.
CNB’s investigation revealed that the drugs were transiting through Singapore and bound for the UK.
CNB then launched a cross-border operation with the HOIO, which coordinated with the UK Border Force, and WM ROCU to dismantle a transnational drug network.
The operation aimed to expose its modus operandi and prevent further distribution of drugs into the UK.
Downstream drug trafficking activities were disrupted during the operation following intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions.
UK authorities seized a further 412kg of cannabis in a separate container bound for the UK on Feb. 25.
The HOIO, Border Force, and WM ROCU subsequently mounted an operation in the UK, which resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of cannabis and the arrest of seven persons.
One has been charged in the UK for a drug-related offence.
UK authorities are pursuing further leads to identify additional individuals involved.
Work with foreign agencies
Assistant commissioner Aaron Tang, the deputy director of CNB for operations, said Singapore and “UK law enforcement counterparts have dealt a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking networks that threaten the safety and security of our communities”.
He also warned that “Singapore's toughness against drugs remains absolute".
He added: "We will pursue relentlessly, whether you operate within our borders or beyond them.”
“We will continue to work closely with our UK allies to dismantle these criminal networks and protect our citizens from the scourge of illegal drugs. Those who choose to traffic drugs will face the full force of the law,” Tang said.
Previously, in January 2026, 509kg of cannabis was also detected in a similar sized inbound container at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station.
