Drug syndicate dismantled: 3kg heroin seized and 6 arrested

Drug syndicate dismantled: 3kg heroin seized and 6 arrested

SINGAPORE - Six suspects were arrested in a Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation to dismantle a drug syndicate on July 24.

CNB seized about 3,041g heroin and 215g of Ice, which had a street value of more than $353,000.

In the operation assisted by the Singapore Police Force, CNB targeted a 41-year-old male Singaporean, who was suspected to be heading a drug syndicate which was actively distributing heroin in the local market. The man obtained his supplies from a neighbouring country.

CNB arrested two male Malaysians, aged 21 and 33, in a taxi at Woodlands in the late afternoon of July 24. About 2,330g of heroin were recovered from under the front passenger seat of the taxi. $15,000 in cash was also recovered from one of the Malaysians.

At about the same time, CNB and SPF officers arrested another 34-year-old Singapore male, a suspected drug trafficker, who was driving along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).

In a follow-up raid, the 41-year-old man was arrested at a housing block at Admiralty. The 41-year-old and the 34-year-old Singaporeans were brought to their hideout in Geylang where CNB officers seized another about 709g of heroin and 215g of Ice. A 21-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, both Singaporeans, were also arrested.

The 21-year-old man and the 37-year-old woman are being investigated for drug consumption offence. The other four drug suspects are being investigated for drug trafficking. If convicted, they may face the death penalty. The Misuse of Drugs Act provides for the death penalty if the amount of diamorphine (or pure heroin) trafficked exceeds 15g. 15g of diamorphine is equivalent to an estimated 1,250 straws, which is sufficient to feed the addiction of about 180 abusers for a week.

natlim@sph.com.sg

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