6-4-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a meticulously planned operation on April 2, law enforcement agencies cracked down on illegal drug transactions facilitated through popular messaging apps like Telegram. The successful operation led to the arrest of 36 individuals suspected of drug offenses, according to a report released by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
During the operation, authorities seized a significant quantity of illicit substances. The haul included approximately 333 grams of cannabis, 13 grams of Ice, 5 grams of ketamine, 1 gram of heroin, 42 Erimin-5 pills, two Ecstasy pills, and 65 vaping devices suspected to contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The CNB confirmed these findings on Saturday.
The estimated street value of the seized drugs amounts to approximately S$19,000 (US$14,080), underscoring the magnitude of the illegal drug trade being conducted through messaging apps.
Amidst those taken into custody by the CNB were two Singaporean nationals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. A 32-year-old woman was apprehended at her residence near Compassvale Drive in Sengkang. Officers conducting the operation discovered about 123 grams of cannabis and various drug paraphernalia in her bedroom. In a similar incident, a 26-year-old man was arrested at his residence near Bedok North Street 3, where 107 grams of cannabis and various drug paraphernalia were confiscated.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Aaron Tang, the director of intelligence at the CNB, issued a stern warning to those involved in drug activities through chat applications. “Those who think they can carry out their drug activities with impunity by using chat applications such as Telegram will do well to think again,” he cautioned. Tang emphasized that the CNB would not be deterred by the anonymity offered by such platforms and vowed to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend drug offenders, regardless of the applications they employ.
Investigations into the arrested individuals are currently ongoing, as authorities seek to gather more evidence and uncover any potential links to larger drug networks operating in Singapore.
The successful operation serves as a clear message that law enforcement agencies in Singapore are committed to combating the illegal drug trade and dismantling its intricate networks. By targeting transactions conducted through messaging apps, the CNB has demonstrated its adaptability in keeping pace with evolving criminal methodologies. The crackdown also sends a strong signal to would-be offenders that they will face serious consequences for their illicit activities, even in the digital realm.
