Major anti-drug operation uncovers significant drug haul and highlights rising trends in drug abuse.
Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) recently conducted an extensive islandwide anti-drug operation, resulting in the arrest of 112 individuals, including a 16-year-old girl. The raids, carried out from October 14 to 25, targeted locations across Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Clementi, Eunos, Jurong, and Tampines, seizing drugs valued at approximately $296,000.
Key Raids and Seizures
Bedok South Avenue 3: On October 14, CNB raided a residential unit, arresting a 42-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man. The operation yielded 1.7kg of Ice, 69g of heroin, and 17g of cannabis.
Eunos Crescent: Two separate raids on October 16 resulted in six arrests. A married couple, aged 37 and 55, were found with 32g of Ice, 7g of heroin, Erimin-5 tablets, and Ecstasy. Their children, aged 10 and 12, were present during the raid and are now under the care of relatives. In another unit, a 25-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman were arrested after resisting entry, with heroin discovered on-site.
Worrying Trends in Drug Abuse
CNB statistics reveal a 10% rise in drug-related arrests in 2023, with 3,101 individuals detained compared to 2,826 in 2022. Notably, new abusers accounted for 944 of these arrests, an 18% increase from the previous year.
Youth Involvement: Over half of the new abusers were under 30, including five 14-year-olds, the youngest recorded cases.
Rising Female Arrests: Female offenders increased to 454 in 2023, up from 408 in 2022. Among them, 182 were first-time offenders.
Continued Efforts
CNB emphasized its commitment to combating drug abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly youth. Investigations into the suspects are ongoing as authorities work to address this pressing issue.
