Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 39 suspected drug offenders in an islandwide operation targeting drug-related activities conducted through Telegram.
The operation was carried out on Sept 15 following investigations into drug-related activities detected across multiple Telegram channels, CNB said in a news release on Tuesday (Sept 29).
The channels were found to have links to multiple drug trafficking networks.
About half of those arrested were below 30 years old.
Drugs seized during the operation included cannabis, Ice and Ecstasy, along with several pieces of drug paraphernalia.
Preliminary investigations found that 19 of the suspects were linked to the same drug trafficking network.
CNB said the operation demonstrated its ability to detect drug-related activities online, develop intelligence and take enforcement action against those involved.
The bureau said it remains concerned about young people being exposed to misinformation about drugs and pro-drug content online.
It added that it will continue working with the Singapore Police Force to issue directions under the Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA), which allows authorities to restrict access in Singapore to Telegram accounts and channels linked to drug activities.
Assistant Commissioner Ng Khai Song, Director of Intelligence Division, said drug traffickers should not assume that online platforms can shield them from enforcement.
He added that CNB actively monitors online platforms, develops intelligence and acts against those involved in drug activities.
"Drug offenders cannot hide behind online anonymity," he said, adding that anyone involved in drug-related activities, whether online or offline, is within CNB's reach.
CNB also urged parents and trusted adults to help young people identify misleading pro-drug narratives online and understand the harms associated with drug abuse.
Investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing.
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