One of the cannabis blocks seized at Tuas Checkpoint on Dec 20, 2021, unwrapped from its packaging. (Photo: CNB)
SINGAPORE: A 24-year-old driver was arrested after officers at Tuas Checkpoint found more than 3kg of cannabis in a lorry, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said on Tuesday (Dec 28).
The lorry was carrying a consignment of mixed hardwood and aircon parts on Dec 20 when it was directed for further checks by ICA officers.
During checks, officers found a drawstring bag containing a black plastic bag behind the driver’s seat.
There were three packages in the black plastic bag, and each package was individually wrapped in aluminium foil and transparent plastic wrap. The packages "were believed" to have contained more than 3.1kg of cannabis, said ICA.
"The 24-year-old Malaysian male driver was immediately arrested and referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for further investigations," added ICA.
The drugs seized are estimated to be worth close to S$43,600, said CNB in response to CNA's queries. It added that investigations into the driver's suspected drug activities are ongoing.
The amount of cannabis found was sufficient to "feed the addiction of 440 cannabis abusers for a week", said ICA.
"Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore’s security," it added.
"ICA will continue to work with CNB to prevent attempts to smuggle drugs across our borders. ICA will also continue to conduct security checks at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle undesirable persons, weapons, explosives and other contrabands across our borders."
This service is not intended for persons residing in the E.U. By clicking subscribe, I agree to receive news updates and promotional material from Mediacorp and Mediacorp's partners.
Copyright© Mediacorp 2021. Mediacorp Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
We know it's a hassle to switch browsers but we want your experience with CNA to be fast, secure and the best it can possibly be.
To continue, upgrade to a supported browser or, for the finest experience, download the mobile app.
Upgraded but still having issues? Contact us