81 arrested in island-wide CNB operation; Punggol suspects allegedly throw paraphernalia from window

SINGAPORE: The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has arrested 81 suspected drug offenders in an island-wide anti-drug operation conducted between August 17 and 21, 2026, seizing drugs estimated to be worth more than S$105,500 across areas including Toa Payoh, Telok Blangah, and Punggol.

The total haul comprised approximately 529 g of ‘Ice’, 375 g of heroin, 27 g of cannabis, 10 g of ketamine, 10g of ‘Ecstasy’, and 11 Erimin-5 tablets. The heroin, ‘Ice’, and cannabis seized reportedly could potentially feed the addiction of 484 abusers for a week.

On Aug 17, CNB officers arrested a 38-year-old Singaporean man at a lift landing of a residential block in the vicinity of Punggol Field for suspected drug trafficking. He was escorted to his hideout in the same block where forced entry was required after occupants inside refused to comply with lawful orders to open the door.

During the operation, officers observed objects being thrown from the unit’s bedroom window, which were subsequently recovered and found to be drug paraphernalia. Clearly, this was an attempt to dispose of evidence during the raid.

A search of the unit led to the arrest of four more individuals for suspected drug trafficking: a 40-year-old male foreign national, a 46-year-old Singaporean man, a 26-year-old Singaporean man, and a 36-year-old Singaporean woman. The 26-year-old was subsequently escorted to his vehicle where a small amount of ‘Ice’ was also recovered. Later that day, a 40-year-old woman who returned to the unit was arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences.

The drugs recovered from the unit alone amounted to approximately 439 g of ‘Ice’, 300 g of heroin, 22 g of cannabis, 9 g of ketamine, 10 g of ‘Ecstasy’, and one Erimin-5 tablet.

Beyond the drugs, an assortment of weapons was also found within the unit, including a dagger, knuckledusters, katanas, and knives. The weapons were seized and handed over to the Police for further investigation.

Netizens react

The discovery of katanas, knuckledusters, and other weapons inside the Punggol unit prompted questions about how such items entered Singapore in the first place. “Where the hell did they bring those weapons? Checkpoint? Good job CNB! Hopefully ICA don’t just detect drugs; weapons, too, are dangerous, especially in cargo areas. Make [sure] every vehicle [gets] check [sic]! [Traffic] jam [is] better than dangerous [sic],” one commenter wrote, raising the question of whether checkpoint screening adequately covers weapons concealed in cargo alongside contraband drugs.

One commenter suggested the drug network in Punggol may be broader than the raid captured, though this is unverified and alleged: “Lots more of such in Punggol. Don’t overlook the underage. It’s a massive network. Keep the actions going.”

Others kept their responses focused on the enforcement outcome. “Good job CNB,” one wrote simply.

One commenter noted the grim continuity of Singapore’s drug enforcement: “Death row cell [is] never vacant. 18 executed this year, [yet] still [we] got people taking over the cell.”

The heroin quantity in this case is particularly significant under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act. Trafficking more than 500 g of cannabis carries the mandatory death penalty, and trafficking significant quantities of heroin also falls under mandatory capital punishment provisions.

Investigations into all 81 arrested suspects are ongoing.

Read related: CNB seizes S$142,000 in drugs including 5.5kg of cannabis across two locations in single-day operation