3 arrested in drugs bust after 4-hour stand off

SINGAPORE - Three people were arrested in a drugs bust conducted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) at a Woodlands flat in the evening of Oct 8.

A CNB spokesperson said in a statement that CNB officers raided a third-level unit at Block 686B, Woodlands Drive 73 due to suspected drug activities going on within the unit.

"The occupants refused CNB officers' request to allow access into the unit and had barricaded themselves within," the spokesperson said.

For safety reasons, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) officers were also activated to assist CNB in the operation.

According to The New Paper, SCDF's Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART) set up inflatable life packs on the ground and safety nets in case the suspects jumped from the flat, while the police set up a cordon around the block.

Four fire engines, five police cars and three ambulances were also seen in the area.

The New Paper reported that the stand off between the suspects and the authorities lasted for over four hours, before the operation was concluded safely at about 11.50pm.

"About 40g of cannabis and some drug paraphernalia were seized from the operation. Investigations are on-going," the CNB spokesperson said.

seanyap@sph.com.sg