A total of 12 foreign nationals were arrested when the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore led an enforcement operation against drug abuse and trafficking, and other criminal and illicit activities, at a foreign worker dormitory in the vicinity of Woodlands.
The extensive raid was carried out between late night on Thursday and the early hours on Friday.
According to a CNB media release: “The operation involved officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) as part of sustained efforts to clamp down on illegal activities, including drug offences and crime.”
CNB reported that 12 men — of them 11 Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national, aged between 23 and 40 — were arrested for suspected drug-related offences.
A 34-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking and drug consumption offences. Investigations into the drug activities of all arrested suspects are ongoing.
Following the arrests, Superintendent Xanthus Tong, Deputy Commanding Officer of Enforcement ‘J’, said, “This operation is part of our law enforcement efforts against drug abuse and trafficking and other criminal and illicit activities. Such activities will not be tolerated and those involved will be dealt with accordingly.”
The officer added, “CNB remains committed to upholding our drug laws and safeguarding the community, including our migrant workers. Drugs have no place in Singapore — be it in the community, workplace, or residential premises. Our enforcement efforts are geared towards early detection and intervention. Early detection allows any risks, whether in the form of drug abuse or illicit activities, to be addressed quickly and prevent the spread, given the harmful and addictive nature of drugs.”
Tong expressed his appreciation for the support of the other Singapore agencies during the raid.
In its media release, CNB informed the public: “Under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, it is an offence for a person, on his or her own behalf, or on behalf of any other person, whether or not that other person is in Singapore, to traffic in a controlled drug, offer to traffic in a controlled drug; or to do or offer to do any act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled drug.”
Singapore media allowed to observe Woodlands raid
In a first, Singapore media representatives were allowed to accompany law enforcement officers during the Woodlands migrant worker dorm raid. Mediapersons were allowed into two rooms of the dormitory building.
CNA said: “Eight reporters followed scores of CNB officers — some in plain clothes, others in vests — as they searched rooms where migrant workers resided. Past midnight, as heavy rain eased to a drizzle, the media were allowed into two rooms where suspects were arrested after the scenes were secured.”
In one room, the media team saw several handcuffed men “being held on suspicion of drug-related offences”. Their mobile phones, wallets and identity cards were placed in sealed bags before them. Other occupants of the room sat quietly near the door.
This room had six bunk beds along three walls. In the presence of the media, the five handcuffed suspects were asked to identify their bunks and/or lockers, and then the raiding officers carried out their search. While the search was being conducted, the suspects were questioned about some of the items.
A similar search and arrest took place in another room where the media were allowed to observe the raid. From this room, one man was handcuffed and taken away.
“Officers were seen placing yellow- and red-coloured items suspected to have been used for drug consumption — including a glass bottle, a cut straw and a rubber tube with a mouthpiece — into sealable bags,” said the CNA report.
“Similar to the first room, officers went through luggage containing clothes, shoes and smaller bags, while others examined the cash, bills and cards in the suspect’s wallet before placing them, along with his mobile phone, into a sealable bag. These items were then placed in a larger bag with the other exhibits,” said CNA.
