1kg of cannabis seized at Woodlands checkpoint

SINGAPORE - About 1kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of over $33,000 was seized at the Woodlands checkpoint yesterday.

It was found in the engine compartment of a Malaysia-registered car during a routine check at about 1pm. The driver, a 37-year-old Malaysian man, was subsequently arrested, the Central Narcotics Bureau and Immigrations Checkpoint Authority said in a joint statement today.

Investigations are ongoing.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, those convicted of importing more than 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty.

Earlier this month, ICA officers seized 5kg of cannabis worth worth more than $167,000 in street value, also at the Woodlands checkpoint.

10 parcels wrapped in aluminium foil were uncovered by ICA officers in the rear of a multi-purpose vehicle driven by a 28-year-old Malaysian man during a routine check on Nov 6.

A 48-year-old Singaporean man who was believed to be the intended recipient of the packages, which were later found to contain cannabis, was arrested on the same day.

huizhen@sph.com.sg