Updated: 07/25/2014 17:29 | By Channel NewsAsia
CNB dismantles drug syndicate, arrests six suspects
SINGAPORE: An operation on Thursday (July 24) by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) resulted in the dismantling of a heroin distribution syndicate, the arrests of six suspects and the seizure of drugs with a total street value of more than S$353,000.
In a statement on Friday, the CNB said it targeted a 41-year-old Singaporean suspected of heading the syndicate that obtained heroin from a neighbouring country and actively distributing it in the local market.
The operation, which was assisted by the Singapore Police Force, saw two Malaysian males, aged 21 and 33, arrested in a taxi in the Woodlands area. About 2.33kg of heroin were recovered from under the front passenger seat, while S$15,000 in cash was recovered from one of the suspects.
At the same time, CNB and police officers arrested another 34-year-old Singapore male, suspected to be a drug trafficker, along the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).
"The arrest, which was effected along the AYE, was done swiftly and decisively, and the suspect's vehicle was immediately shifted to a nearby location to minimise disruption to traffic and to ensure both the public's and the officers' safety," according to the statement.
The 41-year-old suspected leader of the syndicate was arrested at a housing block at Admiralty in a follow-up raid. Both he and the 34-year-old were brought to their Geylang hideout, where officers seized another 709g of heroin and 215g of Ice.
A 21-year-old male and 37-year-old female were also arrested, the CNB said. They are being investigated for drug consumption.
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.
- CNA/kk
