2 arrested, 5kg of cannabis seized in CNB operation

SINGAPORE - More than $199,000 worth of drugs were seized in a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation against a suspected local drug trafficker on Monday, Feb 23.

According to a CNB statement, officers were deployed in the vicinity of Geylang Lorong 37 on Monday afternoon to conduct observations on a male Singaporean, 34, who is suspected to be a drug trafficker. He was believed to be receiving a fresh consignment of cannabis.

At about 4.20pm, a 45-year-old man, who is suspected to be a drug runner, arrived in a van and placed a brown cardboard box beside a dustbin, before leaving the vicinity. The 34-year-old man then arrived a short while later and was spotted picking up the cardboard box before driving away.

CNB officers intercepted the man's car along Geylang Road and arrested him. About five kg of cannabis, 164g of 'Ice', 137 'Ecstasy' tablets and 101 Erimin-5 tablets was found within the box and seized, along with a digital weighing scale, other drug paraphernalia and cash amounting to $26,000.

Two samurai swords and a machete were also found in the suspect's car.

CNB officers also separately apprehended the 45-year-old male driving the van at a petrol station near Ipoh Lane, and seized about one g of 'Ice'.

Both men will be investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, they may face the death penalty.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, cannabis is a Class A controlled drug, and those convicted of trafficking in more than 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty.

seanyap@sph.com.sg