13 arrested for drug trafficking, $52,000 worth of drugs seized

13 suspects have been arrested for trafficking drugs in an operation that also seized drugs with an estimated street value of $52,000.

The suspects are allegedly part of a drug trafficking group involved in the movement of various drugs including cannabis and 'Ice'.

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) had been on the look out for two male Singaporean drug traffickers, a 30-year-old and a 50-year-old.

The 50-year-old was wanted by CNB for other drug trafficking offences.

In an evening drug bust operation on March 19, 2012, CNB officers spotted the 50-year-old suspect in the vicinity of Upper Changi Road North with a 48-year-old female companion who was wanted by CNB for drug consumption offences.

CNB officers arrested both of them, recovering about 610 grams of cannabis and three ecstasy tablets from the man.

After the arrest, CNB officers led the couple to an apartment they were renting in the vicinity and recovered a small amount of 'Ice' and various drug paraphernalia including a digital weighing scale.

Officers also recovered cash amounting to about $1,600.

Further drama unfolded when the female suspect turned hysterical grabbing two fruit knives in an attempt to hurt herself.

CNB officers managed to restrain her, however, two officers were injured and bitten by her.

Later, another team of CNB officers were deployed to watch for the 30-year-old suspected drug trafficker who was spotted in the vicinity of Joo Chiat Place.

The man had been holding on to an envelope later found to contain a small packet of ketamine and two 'Ecstasy' tablets.

A 34-year-old male suspected drug abuser was also arrested in the vicinity.

The 30-year-old suspected drug trafficker, then, led CNB officers to a unit of a private residential block in Joo Chiat Place where officers arrested another seven persons suspected to be involved in drug activities in the unit.

Another unit in the same residential block was also raided where a male Singaporean and a female Vietnamese national were also arrested.

A small packet of "Ice" and cash amounting to about $4,170 was recovered from the female's handbag.

A total of approximately 130 grams of cannabis, 1,500 Erimin-5 tablets, a small packet of ketamine, and various drug paraphernalia, including a digital weighing scale, numerous empty plastic sachets and improvised drug smoking apparatus were also recovered from the second unit.

Investigations into all the suspects' drug activities are currently ongoing.

Those convicted in court for drug trafficking will face a minimum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.