Suspected syndicated leader, abusers seized in two drug busts

SINGAPORE — The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) apprehended a suspected drug syndicate leader believed to have been distributing sizeable amounts of cannabis and heroin to local drug traffickers in an operation yesterday (Aug 26).

A total of about 2,625g of cannabis and 232g of heroin were seized, with a total street value of over S$103,000.

CNB officers had deployed around 11.30am yesterday in the vicinity of Woodlands Avenue 1, where they had spotted the syndicate leader meeting up with a suspected drug trafficker. They parted ways soon after and officers moved in swiftly and placed both under arrest. From the 49-year-old suspected drug trafficker, CNB officers recovered a total of about 415g of cannabis.

After he was arrested, the 51-year-old syndicate leader was brought to Woodlands Avenue 1, where he was believed to have hidden more drugs. About 2,210g of cannabis and 232g of heroin were recovered in the various hideouts.

CNB officers then proceeded to the official residence of the 49-year-old suspected trafficker, where a search of the unit revealed a small amount of ‘Ice’ and various improvised drug smoking apparatus. Two suspected drug abusers, aged 54 and 55, were also arrested near the premises. All suspects arrested were male Singaporeans.

Investigations on all the suspects are ongoing. Any person convicted of trafficking in more than 500g of cannabis will face the death penalty.

Separately, on 24 Aug, 2014, police officers placed under arrest four youths in the vicinity of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 after one of the youths was found in possession of a small packet of ‘Ice’. The youths were aged between 14 to 17 years of age. All are Singaporeans and one is female.

CNB conducted follow-up investigations on the same day and arrested two suspected drug traffickers aged 24 and 32 in the vicinity of Hougang Avenue 2. They were suspected to have sold drugs to one of the youths arrested earlier. Both are male Singaporeans. From the bag of the 24-year-old, officers found two small packets of ‘Ice’.

CNB officers brought the 24-year-old suspect to his residence in Hougang and various drug-taking paraphernalia were recovered from his bedroom.

Investigations into the drug activities of all the suspects are ongoing. The 24-year-old male is being investigated for trafficking Class ‘A’ controlled drugs to a young person. If convicted, he faces the enhanced penalty of a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and 10 strokes of the cane.

Following new laws introduced in 2012, those convicted of trafficking to a young person below 21 years of age will face enhanced penalties.