More than S$1 million worth of drugs seized following initial detection at Tuas Checkpoint

Singapore authorities apprehended a Malaysian and a Singaporean man in connection with a major drug seizure operation. On September 23, the men were stopped at the Tuas Checkpoint, where they attempted to smuggle controlled substances. The Malaysian suspect was accused of trying to bring heroin, Ice, and cannabis into the country aboard a motorcycle registered in Malaysia. As part of enhanced screening, customs officers discovered sealed packets labeled as commercial biscuits, which were later found to contain drugs.

Further investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) uncovered additional drugs in the same motorcycle. Approximately 7 kilograms of heroin, around 1 kilogram of Ice, and 1 kilogram of cannabis were confiscated. On the same day, a follow-up operation near Tampines Street 83 led to the arrest of a 41-year-old Singaporean man on drug-related charges.

Subsequent searches of his residence yielded further supplies: about 790 grams of heroin, 602 grams of cannabis, 127 grams of Ice, 51 grams of Ecstasy tablets, and 21 grams of ketamine. Additionally, police seized S$33,086 in cash.

Collectively, the seized drugs and cash are estimated to have an approximate value of more than S$1 million. Authorities explained that the quantities of heroin, Ice, and cannabis could potentially sustain the addiction of roughly 4,598 users for a single week. Under Singapore's Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, penalties for importing or exporting more than 15g of heroin, more than 250g of methamphetamine, or more than 500g of cannabis include the death penalty. Trafficking more than 15g of heroin or 500g of cannabis can result in a mandatory death penalty.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and CNB pledged to continue their efforts to deter drug smuggling attempts across Singapore's borders. ICA will enhance security checks at checkpoints to prevent the entry of undesirable individuals, weapons, explosives, and other contraband. CNB will follow up swiftly with enforcement actions against drug offenders and traffickers in compliance with the law.