30-8-2024 (SINGAPORE) A vindictive scheme to frame his estranged wife has landed a 37-year-old Singaporean man behind bars for nearly four years. Tan Xianglong, an IT manager, was sentenced on Thursday to three years and 10 months’ imprisonment for possessing at least 216g of cannabis, which he had intended to plant in his wife’s vehicle.
The court heard how Tan, driven by anger and resentment over his deteriorating marriage, hatched what he termed the “perfect crime”. His misguided plan involved purchasing a substantial quantity of cannabis and surreptitiously placing it in his wife’s car, with the aim of having her arrested and charged with a serious drug offence.
Tan’s elaborate plot began to unfold in October 2023, when he acquired 11 packets of cannabis weighing over 500g through an illicit Telegram channel. Despite being aware that such a quantity could potentially attract the death penalty if his wife were convicted of trafficking, Tan pressed ahead with his scheme, blinded by his desire for revenge.
The accused’s meticulous planning included wearing gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints and strategically timing his actions. However, his carefully orchestrated plan began to unravel when his wife unexpectedly appeared at the car park where he had just planted the drugs. Alerted by her in-car camera system, she had arrived to investigate a “parking impact” notification.
Tan’s ill-conceived plot took a dramatic turn when police were called to the scene. Unbeknownst to him, officers discovered the planted drugs during a search of the vehicle. As Tan attempted to return and retrieve the cannabis, he was arrested at his own residential block.
During the trial, prosecutors emphasised the “nefarious purpose” behind Tan’s possession of the drugs, highlighting the potential harm to an innocent person. They noted the sophistication of his plan, which involved extensive research into drug acquisition, penalties, and reporting procedures.
The case has shed light on the dark underbelly of marital disputes and the extreme lengths to which individuals might go in pursuit of vengeance. It serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of engaging with illegal substances, even when not intended for personal use or distribution.
Tan’s sentencing takes into account not only the possession of a Class A controlled drug but also the aggravating factor of his intent to frame an innocent party. The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of the offence and the need for deterrence against such malicious acts.
