1-7-2023 (SINGAPORE) A clinic located in Bishan and six individuals are currently under investigation after a substantial amount of codeine cough syrup, with an estimated street value of around S$150,000 (equivalent to US$111,000), was seized in a large-scale operation conducted by multiple agencies.
From June 14 to June 16, authorities carried out the operation, which has been deemed the most significant crackdown on illegal codeine syndicates since 2019.
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated over S$680,000 in cash, various pills, 34 e-vaporisers, and eight packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The Singapore Police Force, Health Sciences Authority (HSA), and Ministry of Health (MOH) jointly released a statement on Saturday (July 1) providing details of the operation.
According to the authorities, the syndicate is suspected of supplying unregistered health products, including cough syrup and medicines, as part of their illicit activities. These activities were believed to have taken place at multiple locations across Singapore, including the vicinity of Lorong 34 Geylang and a licensed clinic in Bishan.
The MOH is currently conducting an investigation into the clinic and will take appropriate enforcement actions if any breaches of the law are uncovered. In the event of any professional misconduct, the medical practitioner involved will also be referred to the Singapore Medical Council.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the codeine supply was allegedly sourced from the Bishan clinic and subsequently processed at a residential unit in Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3 for illegal distribution in Geylang.
The six men, aged between 37 and 61, are currently under investigation for various offenses, including violations under the Health Products Act. Additionally, four of the individuals are suspected to be members of an unlawful society.
Those found guilty of importing, manufacturing, or supplying unregistered health products can face a maximum sentence of up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both.
