The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) intercepted a significant drug shipment at Woodlands Checkpoint on 14 January 2025.
A Malaysia-registered motorcycle ridden by a 21-year-old Malaysian man was found carrying approximately 4,648g of cannabis, 542g of methamphetamine (‘Ice’), and 250 Erimin-5 tablets.
According to a press release from CNB, the drugs, concealed in various parts of the motorcycle, were discovered during routine checks. The seizure is estimated to be worth over S$169,000 and could have potentially supplied about 970 abusers for a week.
The suspect is under investigation, with potential charges under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. This law prescribes the death penalty for those caught trafficking more than 500g of cannabis or 250g of methamphetamine.
Singapore’s law enforcement agencies, including CNB and ICA, maintain a high level of vigilance at checkpoints and within the community.
In its statement, CNB reaffirmed their commitment to combating the drug menace and urged the public to report suspicious activities.
A troubling trend in narcotics cases
This seizure is one in a series of significant drug-related incidents reported in January 2025.
On 4 January, CNB conducted an operation resulting in the confiscation of over S$1 million worth of drugs.
On 9 January, two separate operations led to the arrests of two Singaporean men and the seizure of drugs valued at more than S$254,000.
The repeated detection of narcotics underscores the persistence of smuggling attempts into Singapore.
Despite stringent measures and tough penalties, including the death penalty, drug traffickers continue to target the country.
The consistent flow of narcotics raises concerns about the effectiveness of deterrence and the scale of regional drug networks operating in the region.
