CNB Arrests Four Foreign Nationals in Woodlands Drug Bust

 

Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau has conducted another successful enforcement operation, resulting in the arrest of four foreign nationals in the Woodlands area on October 22nd. The coordinated action targeted suspected drug activities at a foreign worker residential lodging located in the vicinity of Woodlands Avenue 1.

The operation unfolded in the late morning hours when CNB officers, acting on received intelligence, launched a targeted raid at the residential facility. During the enforcement action, authorities apprehended four male foreign nationals ranging in age from 24 to 36 years. Among those arrested was a 32-year-old man suspected of drug trafficking offenses, while the three other individuals—aged 24, 30, and 36—were detained for suspected drug abuse violations.

Following the arrests, CNB personnel conducted comprehensive searches of both the individuals and their living quarters. The operation yielded significant quantities of controlled substances, including 68 grams of cannabis, 18 grams of 'Ice' methamphetamine, and 29 'Yaba' tablets—a combination of methamphetamine and caffeine popular in some Southeast Asian regions. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized various drug paraphernalia items from the premises, indicating possible consumption activities at the location.

Superintendent Royce Chua, Commanding Officer of Enforcement 'F' and 'L' Division, emphasized the Bureau's ongoing commitment to community engagement and drug prevention efforts. "CNB regularly engages the community, which includes our migrant worker community, to raise awareness on the harms of drugs and Singapore's zero tolerance stance against drugs," he stated. The superintendent further reinforced the agency's determination to "detect, disrupt, and dismantle drug operations to keep Singapore safe."

The legal framework governing such offenses falls under Singapore's stringent Misuse of Drugs Act 1973. Section 5 of the legislation specifically prohibits any person from trafficking controlled substances, offering to traffic drugs, or performing acts preparatory to drug trafficking operations. The law applies regardless of whether the activities are conducted on one's own behalf or on behalf of others, and remains effective even when other involved parties are located outside Singapore's jurisdiction.

All four arrested individuals remain in custody as CNB investigators continue their probe into the suspected drug network and consumption activities. The operation demonstrates Singapore's continued vigilance against drug-related crimes and its commitment to maintaining strict enforcement measures across all community segments, including foreign worker populations.