CNB seizes cannabis and meth worth over S$110,000 after high-stakes Kallang River pursuit
A 30-year-old male foreigner was arrested by Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) after throwing a drug-filled bag into the Kallang River during a foot chase. The narcotics seized—cannabis and methamphetamine—are estimated to be worth over S$110,000.
High-Speed Escape Ends in River
On the evening of June 10, CNB officers launched an anti-drug operation in the Bendemeer Road area. They approached a man riding an e-bike, who immediately abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee. During the pursuit, officers witnessed the suspect throwing a bag into the nearby Kallang River.
After retrieving the bag, authorities discovered approximately 2,004 grams of cannabis and 518 grams of methamphetamine, also known as ‘Ice’. The combined street value of the narcotics was estimated at S$110,200—enough to supply around 580 abusers for a week, according to CNB.
Arrest at Kampong Eunos Condo
Following intelligence gathered post-pursuit, CNB officers identified the suspect as a 30-year-old foreign national. On June 12, a follow-up operation was executed. The man was arrested at the entrance of a condominium in the Kampong Eunos area.
He was then escorted to his residence, where drug paraphernalia was seized. The CNB confirmed that investigations into his drug activities are ongoing
Law and Penalty: A Clear Warning
Under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act (1973), trafficking more than 500g of cannabis or over 250g of methamphetamine carries the mandatory death penalty. CNB emphasized that the law applies even if the trafficking is done on behalf of someone located outside of Singapore.
The bureau reiterated that trafficking, preparation for trafficking, and offering to traffic drugs are all considered serious criminal offences under Section 5 of the Act.
Persistent Threat of Drug Networks
This incident adds to a string of high-profile drug cases in Singapore, underscoring the persistent attempts by traffickers to bypass the country’s strict narcotics laws. CNB’s swift response, along with strong inter-agency coordination, continues to be central in intercepting drug flows and deterring criminal networks.
Authorities noted that traffickers are adapting their methods—from using e-bikes to discarding evidence in waterways—but enforcement remains equally adaptive and relentless.
The arrest reinforces Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on drug offences and highlights the significant regional implications for Southeast Asian nations. For countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, where drug trafficking networks often span borders, this case serves as a stark reminder of Singapore’s uncompromising legal consequences for narcotics crimes.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Drug Arrest Singapore, Kallang River Drugs, Cannabis Trafficking, Ice Meth Seizure, CNB Operation, Drug Law Singapore
