ICA and CNB officers uncover 68 drug packets in passenger’s luggage at Terminal 2.
Singapore authorities arrested a 25-year-old Portuguese man at Changi Airport after discovering more than 36kg of cannabis in his luggage during a targeted baggage check.
Arrest At Changi Airport Terminal 2
On April 14, a 25-year-old Portuguese man was arrested at Changi Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis into Singapore. According to an April 22 statement by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), the man had arrived that day and was scheduled to depart on April 15. His transit pattern and screening results led officers to subject him to further inspection at Terminal 2’s Baggage South Red Green Channel.
K 9 Screening Triggers Detailed Checks
K 9 police officers first directed the traveller for additional checks, after which ICA officers examined his luggage. During the search, they uncovered multiple packets suspected to contain controlled drugs. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was subsequently called in to conduct further investigations and verify the nature and quantity of the substances found in the bags.
68 Packets Holding 36.3kg Of Cannabis
Follow up checks by CNB revealed that a total of 68 packets contained about 36.3kg of cannabis. Such a quantity places the case among the larger cannabis seizures involving an individual courier at Singapore’s border checkpoints. The haul is believed to have been intended for trafficking, given its volume and the way it was packed for transport.
Severe Penalties For Cannabis Import
Under Singapore law, anyone who imports into or exports from the country more than 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty. Even below that threshold, trafficking in controlled drugs attracts lengthy prison terms and caning. The authorities have not yet disclosed the precise charges to be brought against the suspect, but the amount seized far exceeds the capital punishment threshold, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged offence.
Tight Border Controls And Regional Impact
ICA said the case highlights the importance of coordinated work between frontline officers, K 9 units and CNB in keeping Singapore’s borders secure. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, especially those travelling through major air hubs, the incident is a reminder of the city state’s uncompromising stance on drug trafficking. It also reflects how regional and international traffickers continue to test airport security, raising the need for sustained vigilance and public awareness of severe penalties.
The arrest of a Portuguese traveller with 36.3kg of cannabis at Changi Airport reinforces Singapore’s reputation for strict drug enforcement and robust border checks. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the case underscores both the risks of involvement in cross border drug activities and the broader role that tough, consistently applied laws play in deterring trafficking networks across Southeast Asia.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Yahoo! News Singapore (2026)
Keywords: Portuguese Man Arrested, 36kg Cannabis Seizure, ICA K 9 Checks, Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore Drug Laws, Death Penalty Threshold
