CNB arrests 5 drug syndicates, seizes 2.1kg heroin

SINGAPORE - Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) launched an operation and arrested a syndicate leader and his four associates, and seized heroin estimated to be worth more than $220,000 on June 25.

At the early hours of June 25, several teams of CNB officers were deployed to various parts of Jurong West to observe a suspected syndicate leader.

The leader, a 47-year-old Singaporean man, his syndicate members and one of their clients, a 66-year-old male Singaporean drug trafficker, were believed to be awaiting for a fresh consignment of drugs coming into Singapore.

At around 9am, CNB officers deployed in the area of Jurong West Avenue 1 spotted the suspected drug courier meeting up with the 66-year-old Singaporean suspect. The duo parted ways and the Singaporean suspect was subsequently arrested by officers along Bukit Batok East Avenue 3. About 670g of heroin was recovered from his possession, reported CNB.

The drug courier, a 34-year-old Malaysian, was later seen meeting up with one of the syndicate members. He met the Singaporean man, 44, at a void deck in the vicinity of Jurong West St 52.

After the pair separated, officers took action and arrested the Malaysian drug courier. In his vehicle, they found about 955g of heroin and cash amounting to $10,000.

Another syndicate member who was believed to be meeting to the Malaysian courier was also arrested. Cash up to $7,200 was recovered from the 32-year-old Singaporean man.

The 47-year-old leader was arrested when a party of CNB officers raided his housing unit.

Investigations are currently on-going. If convicted, they may face the death penalty.

wjeanne@sph.com.sg