A Singaporean man, wanted in connection with suspected drug trafficking and sale within the country, has been apprehended and charged, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) announced on Sunday, June 30.
The 43-year-old suspect had been operating from overseas and had left Singapore on September 27, 2019. CNB indicated that he was under suspicion for his alleged role in supplying drugs to his associates in Singapore, who would then engage in trafficking and selling these drugs locally.
The suspect’s involvement was uncovered during a CNB investigation into a drug trafficking case in February 2021. In this case, a 36-year-old Singaporean man was arrested with approximately 472 grams of heroin. This individual has since been convicted and sentenced for his crimes.
In a bid to track down the 43-year-old fugitive, CNB enlisted the assistance of international counterparts. “Following close cooperation between CNB and the Counter-Narcotics Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam to monitor the fugitive, on Jun 28, the man was deported and handed over to CNB,” said the bureau.
Once back in Singapore, the man was charged with drug trafficking in relation to the earlier case involving the 36-year-old individual. Deputy Director of CNB, Senior Assistant Commissioner Leon Chan, expressed his gratitude towards the Counter-Narcotics Police Department (CNPD) of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for their invaluable support.
“The close cooperation between CNB and CNPD in this operation is testament to the strong working relationship and trust that CNB has with CNPD, which resulted in the arrest of a Singaporean who believed he could carry on supplying drugs to associates in Singapore with impunity, simply by setting up base in Vietnam. He was badly mistaken,” Chan stated.
Chan emphasized that “CNB will pursue all leads and work closely with our foreign counterparts to apprehend such criminals and bring them to justice.”
The suspect’s extradition and subsequent charges are part of CNB’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on drug-related crimes. This case highlights the bureau’s determination and the extent of its international collaboration to tackle the drug menace. The CNB remains resolute in its mission to keep Singapore safe from the scourge of drugs, ensuring that those involved in such activities are held accountable, irrespective of where they operate from.
The success of this operation is a significant milestone in CNB’s continuous fight against drug trafficking. It serves as a warning to others who might believe they can evade justice by operating from abroad. The collaboration between CNB and international law enforcement agencies exemplifies the global nature of the fight against drug trafficking. It also underscores the importance of strong international partnerships in effectively combating such transnational crimes.
The CNB’s rigorous approach includes leveraging intelligence-sharing and operational support from its counterparts worldwide. By fostering these relationships, CNB can extend its reach beyond Singapore’s borders to capture and prosecute those who threaten the country’s safety and security.
In conclusion, the apprehension and charging of the 43-year-old suspect mark a critical victory for CNB and its foreign partners. It reinforces the message that drug traffickers, regardless of where they might hide, will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. The CNB’s commitment to protecting Singapore from drug threats remains unwavering, and its collaboration with international agencies will continue to play a crucial role in its enforcement efforts.
