Safety nets, life packs set up in CNB Woodlands stand-off

At least four suspects were arrested early today after a four-hour-plus stand-off at a Woodlands flat following a drugs raid by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).

The drama began at Block 686B, Woodlands Drive 73, before 8pm yesterday when CNB officers raided the third-storey flat for suspected drug activities.

A CNB spokesman said in a statement at about 11.30pm: "The occupants refused CNB officers' request to allow access into the unit and have barricaded themselves inside."

For safety reasons, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police were activated to support the CNB officers.

The police then set up a cordon around the block.

By 8.30pm, the SCDF's Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Dart) had set up inflatable life packs on the ground below the flat and safety nets outside the windows in case anyone jumped from the flat.

When The New Paper arrived at the scene at around 10.30pm, about 200 people had gathered near a playground facing Block 686B. Many of them were from neighbouring blocks, who were curious about what was going on.

Several of them were asking each other about what had happened, with some providing such insights as, "I think they quarrelled" and "I think police are looking for one of them".

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

One of the onlookers said he had just finished jogging at around 9pm when he saw the large crowd.

The self-employed man who wanted to be known as Mr Ali, 24, told TNP that he was he was visiting his aunt who lives in a neighbouring block.

He spoke to a neighbour who told him that CNB officers were conducting an operation in the area.

The neighbour, who lives in Block 686B, told him that the officers were after a couple living on the third storey.

"I was told the husband and wife have four children. The neighbour also told me that he had always smelt a curious odour coming from the flat," Mr Ali said.

A neighbour, Ms Irlinawati Abdul Wahid, 28, said that she heard from her neighbours that the couple quarrelled regularly.

After a stand-off where nothing much seemed to be happening, TNP suddenly noticed four men being led out by CNB officers. One of them was taken away in a car and the others in a van.

CNB was unable to provide updates on the arrest by press-time.

tnp@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Oct 9, 2014.
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