28-10-2024 (SINGAPORE) A comprehensive anti-drug operation spanning nearly two weeks has resulted in the arrest of 112 suspected drug offenders, including a 16-year-old girl, in what authorities describe as a significant blow to the city-state’s illicit drug trade.
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) conducted the island-wide enforcement operation between 14-25 October, targeting multiple residential areas including Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Clementi, Eunos, Jurong and Tampines. The operation yielded drugs with an estimated street value of S$296,000.
In one of the most significant seizures, CNB officers raided a Bedok South Avenue 3 residence, apprehending two Singaporeans – a 42-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man. The raid uncovered approximately 1.7kg of methamphetamine (Ice), 69g of heroin, and 17g of cannabis.
A subsequent operation in Eunos Crescent led to multiple arrests across two units in the same block. The first raid resulted in the arrest of a married Singaporean couple, aged 37 and 55, where officers discovered various illicit substances including methamphetamine, heroin, Erimin-5, and Ecstasy tablets. Two children, aged 10 and 12, present during the raid, have since been placed in the care of relatives.
In a dramatic turn of events at the second Eunos location, officers were forced to breach the premises after its occupants – a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman – refused entry. Both Singaporeans were arrested after a quantity of heroin was discovered inside.
This latest operation comes against a backdrop of rising drug-related arrests in Singapore. Official statistics reveal a 10 percent increase in drug abuser arrests in 2023, totalling 3,101 compared to 2,826 in 2022. Particularly concerning is the 18 percent surge in new drug abusers, with 944 first-time offenders identified in 2023.
The demographic pattern shows a troubling trend among younger citizens, with over half of new abusers being under 30 years old. The arrest of five 14-year-olds marked the youngest cases in the report. Female involvement in drug-related activities has also risen, with 454 arrests in 2023 compared to 408 the previous year.
