139 arrested in two-week Singapore-wide crackdown

The Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB) arrested 139 suspects in an island-wide anti-drug operation conducted from May 18 to 30, 2025.

The operation covered areas including Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, Bukit Merah, Jurong, and Sengkang.

According to the official statement, authorities seized approximately 3.588gr of heroin, 2.744g of cannabis, 1.303g of crystal methamphetamine, 155g of ketamine, 54g of ecstasy, 26g of cocaine, 213 Erimin-5 tablets, 49 THC vapes, and 22 LSD stamps.

The total estimated street value of the apprehended drugs is over S$626.700 (approximately US$485.080).

Among those arrested was a 14-year-old student, adding growing concerns over youth drug abuse. CNB data shows that 126 new abusers under 20 were arrested in 2024 — a 30% rise from 2023 , according to The Straits Times.

Five foreign men aged 23 to 34 were detained in Tuas on May 23. One was caught discarding cannabis, another was found carrying crystal methamphetamine, and 27g of cannabis was later discovered in a nearby lodging house.

Another raid included the arrest of a 46-year-old man in a Geylang hotel room on May 28, where officers found 2,8kg of heroin, 565gr of crystal methamphetamine, 20g of cannabis, 24g of ketamine, four Erimin-5 tablets and S$541.61 (around US$419) in cash.

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The following day (May 29), a 29-year-old man was arrested in Tampines with a large stash that included cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD stamps, and THC vapes.

All suspects are under investigation.

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"The operation demonstrates CNB's relentless and resolute stance against drugs. […] Our message is clear - those who choose to profit from selling drugs will face the full force of CNB’s actions,” stated Assistant Commissioner Aaron Tang, Director of CNB’s Intelligence Division.

Under Singapore law, trafficking over 15g of pure heroin, 250g of methamphetamine, or 500g of cannabis carries the mandatory death penalty.

Via Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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