81 arrested for drug offences in S'pore, more than S$105,000 worth of drugs seized

A total of 81 suspected drug offenders were arrested in Singapore during an island-wide anti-drug operation from Aug. 17 to 21.

Areas covered during the operation included Toa Payoh, Telok Blangah and Punggol.

Drugs

Controlled drugs, including about 529g of "Ice", 375g of heroin, 27g of cannabis, 10g of ketamine, 10g of "Ecstasy", and 11 Erimin-5 tablets, were seized.

The seized drugs are estimated to be worth more than S$105,500.

The heroin, "Ice" and cannabis seized could potentially feed the addiction of 484 abusers for about a week.

Arrests

On Aug. 17, at about noon, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officers arrested a 38-year-old Singaporean man at a lift landing of a residential block in the vicinity of Punggol Field for alleged drug trafficking offences.

Officers then escorted him to his hideout in the same block, where they forced entry after the occupants refused to comply with lawful orders to open the door.

Officers also spotted objects being thrown out of the unit’s bedroom window, which were subsequently found to be drug paraphernalia.

The unit was searched.

A 40-year-old male foreign national, a 46-year-old Singaporean man, a 26-year-old Singaporean man, and a 36-year-old Singaporean woman were arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences.

A total of about 439g of "Ice", 300g of heroin, 22g of cannabis, 9g of ketamine, 10g of "Ecstasy" and one Erimin-5 tablet were recovered from various locations within the unit.

Officers subsequently escorted the 26-year-old man to his vehicle, where they recovered "Ice".

A 40-year-old woman later returned to the unit and was arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences.

Weapons were also found in the unit, including a dagger, knuckledusters, katanas, and knives.

The weapons were seized and handed over to the police.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Penalties

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1973, those found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine or “pure heroin”, or more than 250g of methamphetamine can face the mandatory death penalty.

Investigations into the drug activities of all arrested suspects are ongoing.