S'porean doctor, 36, & friend, 29, consumed drugs at Sentosa hotel party, each get 1 year jail

A 36-year-old medical professional and his 29-year-old companion, among 49 men arrested in a police operation at a Sentosa hotel in August 2023, were each handed a one-year prison sentence on August 12, 2026. Both Rayson Lee Rui Sheng and Tan Li Ming have vowed to challenge their convictions. Initially, reports indicated that Lee was apprehended at a villa within the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa hotel, where festivities were underway.

On June 30, 2026, both men were found guilty of consuming drugs, with witnesses testifying they observed a foreigner crushing a green ecstasy tablet and adding it to a cup, which was then circulated. Moreover, an American reportedly offered Lee a pill in his bedroom. Lee claimed he did not anticipate a harmless birthday celebration, believing it to be a secure environment to partake in drugs.

Despite admitting to feeling light-headed and euphoric after his initial drink, he consumed two additional beverages, according to CNA. Both men's urine and hair samples contained traces of MDMA, or ecstasy, and ketamine, despite them disputing the charges and alleging their drinks had been tampered with. The district judge noted that their subsequent consumption of drinks was not credible, citing prior drug usage based on hair samples.

Neither of them were unfamiliar with drug use, remarked the judge. During the trial, it was revealed that Lee and Tan attended the party between 8 PM on August 8, 2023, and early on August 9, 2023. The gathering comprised 49 men aged between 21 and 46. Around 5:39 AM on August 9, 2023, authorities raided the venue upon receiving information of drug-related activities.

Lee and Tan, along with others present at the party, were subsequently apprehended. Police also discovered substances believed to be controlled drugs, such as Ecstasy and ketamine, as well as drug paraphernalia, leading to the Central Narcotics Bureau being called to the scene.