39 in S'pore, half aged below 30, arrested for alleged drug activities on Telegram channels

39 individuals were caught in a drug-busting operation conducted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Sep. 15.

According to a Sep. 29 press release by CNB, investigations led them to multiple channels on Telegram where drug-related activities were conducted.

These channels were also linked to multiple drug trafficking networks.

Subsequent enforcement operations led to the arrest of 39 suspected drug offenders across Singapore, around half of whom were below 30 years old.

Of the 39, 19 of them are believed to be linked to the same drug trafficking network.

The police seized the offenders' drugs and paraphernalia, including cannabis, "Ice", and "Ecstasy''.

In the Telegram channels, suppliers and clients openly sold and transacted drugs, crafting menus and offering islandwide delivery.

CNB said that it is "concerned" about how young persons can be exposed to misinformation about drugs and pro-drug content online.

It will continue to work with the police to issue directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to restrict access by those in Singapore to Telegram accounts and channels linked to drug activities.

Investigations into the activities of the arrested suspects are ongoing.

Assistant Commissioner Ng Khai Song, Director of CNB's Intelligence Division, cautioned drug traffickers that online platforms do not shield them from enforcement.

"Every online interaction leaves a trail. CNB actively monitors the online space, develops intelligence and acts decisively to detect and disrupt drug activities. Those involved will be traced and dealt with under the law. We also leverage legal powers under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) to disrupt online drug activities and restrict access to drug-related content.

Our message is clear: Drug offenders cannot hide behind online anonymity. Anyone involved in drug-related activities whether online or offline is not beyond CNB's reach.”

CNB calls on parents and trusted adults to safeguard youths against pro-drug content.