15-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) A significant drug smuggling attempt was successfully intercepted on August 13th, resulting in the seizure of approximately 2.3 kilograms of heroin and 12 grams of methamphetamine, commonly known as Ice, from a vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint.
The incident unfolded as a Singapore-registered car approached Woodlands Checkpoint, where it was subsequently flagged for additional inspection by authorities, according to a joint media release issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Tuesday (August 15).
Upon closer examination, law enforcement officers discovered five packages containing suspected controlled drugs and drug paraphernalia concealed in various compartments of the vehicle. The meticulous search revealed the extent of the illicit activity, leading to a major seizure of narcotics.
Two individuals, a 32-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, were promptly apprehended on suspicion of involvement in drug-related offenses. The female suspect was found to have concealed two sachets of suspected controlled drugs, along with various drug-related paraphernalia, within her clothing.
Authorities have estimated the seized drugs to be valued at over S$249,800 (equivalent to approximately US$184,000). This quantity of narcotics has the potential to sustain the addiction of approximately 1,120 users for a span of one week.
Importantly, Singapore maintains stringent laws against drug trafficking, with the mandatory death penalty imposed on individuals found guilty of importing more than 15 grams of pure heroin (also known as diamorphine).
