17-1-2025 (SINGAPORE) Authorities have arrested multiple suspects, including a stateless individual found with a cache of weapons, in one of the city-state’s largest drug busts this month.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) conducted sweeping raids between 6-16 January across nine districts, including Ang Mo Kio, Geylang, and Tampines, resulting in 116 arrests and the seizure of drugs worth approximately S$550,000.
In a significant breakthrough on 15 January, officers raided a hotel room in Geylang Lorong 4, apprehending four individuals, including a 43-year-old stateless man. Three Singaporeans – two men aged 31 and 40, and a 31-year-old woman – were also arrested in the operation.
The hotel room yielded a substantial haul of narcotics, including more than two kilogrammes of heroin and one kilogramme of methamphetamine. Officers also discovered various other substances, including cannabis, nicotine pills, and methadone, alongside S$21,446 in cash and a karambit knife.
A subsequent search of the stateless man’s vehicle uncovered additional drugs and an arsenal of controlled weapons, which have been referred to the police for further investigation.
The CNB’s island-wide operation netted a total of 2.9kg of heroin, 1.2kg of methamphetamine, and various quantities of ketamine, ecstasy, and cannabis. The bureau also seized 419 Erimin-5 tablets and several bottles of methadone.
In a particularly concerning development, the operation led to the arrest of a 14-year-old student for suspected drug consumption, highlighting the reach of drug-related activities into schools.
A dramatic episode unfolded at Bukit Batok Street 52 on 7 January, where officers were forced to break into a unit after an 18-year-old suspected drug trafficker refused entry. The suspect attempted to dispose of evidence through a kitchen window before being apprehended. Officers recovered approximately 500 grammes of ketamine from the premises.
Follow-up operations in various locations, including Bukit Panjang and Balestier Road, resulted in additional arrests and drug seizures. At Huanhuan Road, officers arrested a 60-year-old man and seized heroin along with S$40,466 in cash.
