ANN/THE STAR – Authorities arrested 64 suspected drug offenders and seized over 11 kilogrammes (kg) of cannabis and other drugs in a recent islandwide operation from March 18 to 22 in Singapore.
Among those apprehended were several teenagers, with the youngest being a 17-year-old student. The student was part of a group of four teenagers arrested at a flat in Sengkang on March 18, where authorities found about 16 grammes (g) of Ice, a digital weighing scale, and various drug paraphernalia in the bedroom of an 18-year-old.
“Preliminary investigations found that the 18-year-old was involved in suspected drug trafficking activities and was assisted by the two 19-year-old suspects,” said CNB.
Other areas covered during the islandwide operation include Ang Mo Kio, Woodlands and Yishun. CNB officers intercepted a car along Yishun Avenue 2 on March 21 and arrested the 40-year-old driver and his passenger, a 32-year-old man.
About 10kg of cannabis, 1kg of Ice, 10g of ketamine, 82g of Ecstasy, 46 LSD stamps and 3,812 Erimin-5 tablets were found in the car.
Officers then raided their homes at Sembawang Close and Woodlands Street 81.
More drugs were found, including nearly 1.5kg of cannabis and 19 bottles of liquid suspected to contain GHB. Altogether, the drugs seized during the islandwide operation were worth about SGD555,000 (USD411,000).
“The seizure of about 11,467g of cannabis and 1,336g of Ice can feed the addiction of about 2,400 abusers for a week,” said CNB.
Commenting on the arrests of the teenagers, CNB’s director of enforcement Saherly Limat said this is a “worrying sign”, citing an Institute of Mental Health survey which found that more than 41 per cent of those who abused drugs started before the age of 18.
The average age that drug users in Singapore start taking illegal substances is about 16 years old, according to the survey.
“Early education and intervention from parents are thus crucial. We urge all parents to engage your child early – be the compass to guide them towards a drug-free life,” he added.
