First Person in S’pore Charged for Importing Food That Contains Cannabis

We are all aware that the Singaporean government maintains a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug trafficking and consumption.

If one is caught in possession of or consuming illegal drugs, they can face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to ten years and fines as high as $20,000. 

In cases of drug trafficking, especially in large quantities, the punishment can escalate to the death penalty.

This strict stance on drugs is known to Singaporean residents and recognised by leaders and travellers from around the world. 

Singapore’s drug laws and regulations are among the most strict globally.

Nevertheless, there is an alarming case of a Singaporean man who disregarded these regulations and has been found guilty of both possessing and consuming cannabis.

First Person in S’pore Charged for Importing Food That Contains Cannabis

Muhammad Dzulhilmi Salimi, 32, has been sentenced to jail and caning after pleading guilty on 18 December 2023. 

He faced charges of importing a controlled drug, drug consumption, and possession of utensils intended for drug use, as reported by The Straits Times.

Dzulhilmi was involved in the importation of cannabis-infused gummies and candies, marking Singapore’s first conviction related to the importation of cannabis edibles.

Additionally, he grew three cannabis plants within his Housing Board flat located on Bedok Reservoir Road, a charge that was factored into his sentencing.

As part of his punishment, Dzulhilmi received a prison term of five years and four months, along with five strokes of the cane.

Dzulhilmi obtained the cannabis edibles through communication with an individual known only as “Nabil” on the Telegram mobile application. 

Nabil, who resided in the United Kingdom, sold cannabis and sweets containing tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance found in cannabis.

Cannabis Found in Packets of “Sweets”

Before 19 October 2022, Dzulhilmi ordered 20 packets of sweets from Nabil, paying £200 (equivalent to S$337) in Bitcoin through a friend.

Dzulhilmi instructed Nabil to retain one packet for himself and to repackage the remaining 19 packets of sweets to minimise suspicion before shipping them to Singapore.

However, Nabil reassured Dzulhilmi that the packets appeared normal and did not require repackaging. 

As a result, he dispatched a parcel containing the 19 packets to Dzulhilmi’s residence through registered mail.

Man Sold 4 Packets of “Sweets” to His Friends

Meanwhile, Dzulhilmi orchestrated the sale of four packets of these sweets to his acquaintances – three to “Ja” and one to “Kasman” – for a total sum of $180.

On 19 October 2022, the parcel’s delivery to Dzulhilmi’s residence was disrupted when an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officer at a SingPost Centre in Eunos detected anomalies in the X-ray images of the package.

Subsequent scrutiny revealed these irregularities, leading to the seizure of the parcel, which was then handed over to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).

Photographs provided by the CNB showcased the colourful and visually appealing packaging of these sweets, some resembling well-known candy brands such as Nerds and Millions. 

The cannabis-infused edibles exhibited a variety of hues and bore an appearance resembling gummies and candies.

Cannabis Plants and Drug Utensil Found in Man’s Room

On the same day, CNB officers arrested Dzulhilmi at his residence. 

During a search of his room, the officers discovered cannabis plants, loose cannabis, and a drug utensil. 

Dzulhilmi admitted to consuming cannabis on that day, and a subsequent urine test confirmed the presence of drug traces.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Eugene Lau sought a sentence of five to six years in prison and five to six strokes of the cane for the drug importation charge. 

The prosecutor argued that an upward departure from the mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment was warranted because Dzulhilmi not only imported the drugs for personal use but also arranged to sell them to his friends.

Defence lawyer Ramesh Tiwary emphasised that this was Dzulhilmi’s first offence. He also noted that his client had fully cooperated during the investigations and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Drug Consumption and Possession Is Illegal in Singapore

In response to the case, a CNB spokesperson reiterated that consuming or importing any controlled drug, including cannabis products or edibles, is illegal in Singapore. 

The spokesperson further emphasised that even when abroad, any Singapore citizen or permanent resident found to have consumed controlled drugs would still be liable for a drug consumption offence.

Regarding the proliferation of cannabis edibles like candies and cakes in other countries, CNB characterised them as “irresponsibly marketed as harmless consumables”. 

They cautioned that the innocuous appearance of these products could entice unsuspecting youth to consume them, resulting in intoxication and a heightened risk of overdosing.

There is also a significant increase in accidental cannabis edible consumption among children under the age of six in the United States, according to a New York Times article.

The most common health outcome experienced by these children was central nervous system depression.

Symptoms include drowsiness, lowered blood pressure, and slurred speech, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.