Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau played a decisive role in dismantling a transnational drug trafficking syndicate, working with international agencies to seize more than 10kg of methamphetamine from freight parcels transiting through the city-state.
Multi-Agency Operation
The CNB began collaborating with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Brunei’s Narcotics Control Bureau, New Zealand Customs Service, New Zealand Police, Australian Federal Police, and Australian Border Force in April 2025.
Intelligence suggested that parcels carrying controlled drugs, concealed within electronic devices, were passing through Singapore, originating from the US and destined for New Zealand.
Key Seizures and International Links
CNB intercepted and searched suspect parcels, uncovering over 10kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’.
These parcels shared methods resembling previous seizures: the narcotics were stashed inside electronics and routed through courier and virtual office services – techniques aimed at hiding their true origin.
Follow-ups led to New Zealand Customs intercepting additional parcels in April and June 2025, netting another 10kg of meth, with a street value of NZ$3 million (~SGD$2.4 million).
Prior operations by Brunei’s agency had already seized 49kg of meth, and Australian authorities snared about 40kg in consignments where drugs were hidden in furniture, coffee, and mustard shipments, demonstrating the breadth of the syndicate’s reach.
The Australian seizure was estimated to be worth about A$37 million (~SGD$33 million).
Ongoing Investigation and Origins
US Drug Enforcement Administration investigators believe the meth originated in Mexico before entering the US for illicit distribution across the Asia Pacific markets.
The international syndicate remains under investigation in the US, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) actively pursuing leads to identify all participants and supply sources.
Syndicate’s Evasion Techniques
Across all borders, the syndicate relied on creative concealment strategies, using electronic devices and the segmentation of shipments across virtual office and courier services to frustrate law enforcement tracking efforts.
Official Response
Assistant Commissioner Aaron Tang, CNB’s deputy director of operations, stated that criminal organisations seeking to exploit Singapore’s role as a logistics hub will find their schemes swiftly thwarted.
The multilateral efforts have reinforced collaboration between regional agencies, with all partners expressing commitment to future joint operations.
Here’s the REAL reason why everyone is hanging plushies on their bags, simplified for you:
