8-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) A significant drug seizure took place at the Woodlands Checkpoint last Saturday evening, resulting in the confiscation of over 4.7kg of heroin from a Malaysia-registered car. Authorities swiftly apprehended a 22-year-old Malaysian male who was travelling in the vehicle, on suspicion of drug-related offenses. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) issued a joint statement on Tuesday to provide details of the operation.
The vigilant efforts of ICA officers led to the discovery of a haversack in the car’s boot during routine vehicle checks. Subsequently, the detection of a large bundle believed to contain controlled substances prompted the immediate involvement of CNB officers.
Upon inspection, ten separate bundles of heroin, collectively weighing 4,723 grams, were extracted from the significant bundle. The estimated street value of the seized heroin is over $331,400, and it could potentially sustain the addiction of approximately 2,240 individuals for a week.
Ongoing investigations are delving into the arrested suspect’s potential involvement in drug-related activities. It is imperative to note that Singapore’s legal framework prescribes the death penalty for those found guilty of importing more than 15 grams of pure heroin.
This recent seizure echoes a similar incident that transpired in May 2022, where law enforcement thwarted an attempt to smuggle nearly 18kg of heroin through Woodlands Checkpoint. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals in Singapore. The May 2022 case marked one of the most significant heroin seizures since 2001 when authorities discovered a staggering 34.8kg of the illicit substance.
