Malaysian arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs into Singapore

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the Malaysian was arrested at the checkpoint after officers found sealed packets labelled as commercial biscuits and suspected of containing controlled drugs in the rear box of his Malaysia-registered motorcycle. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Monday, 28 Sep 2026 1:36 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Sept 28 — A 37-year-old Malaysian was arrested at Tuas Checkpoint on Sept 23 for allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into Singapore, while a Singaporean was detained for suspected drug offences in a separate operation the same day, with the combined drug haul worth over S$1 million (S$1=RM3.20).

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said the Malaysian was arrested at the checkpoint after officers found sealed packets labelled as commercial biscuits and suspected of containing controlled drugs in the rear box of his Malaysia-registered motorcycle.

ICA said Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officers were immediately alerted to the detection and further checks uncovered more similar sealed packets.

“A total of about 6,961 grammes (g) of heroin, 1,116g of Ice and 1,032g of cannabis were seized from the motorcycle,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Later, CNB officers launched an operation in the vicinity of Tampines Street 83, which led to the arrest of the 41-year-old Singaporean for suspected drug offences.

A total of 790g of heroin, 602g of cannabis, 127g of Ice, 51g of ecstasy tablets and 21g of ketamine were seized during the operation, along with  S$33,086 in cash.

ICA said further investigations were ongoing under Section 5 and Section 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973, under which those who import drugs into Singapore may face the death penalty.

“ICA will continue to work with CNB to prevent attempts to smuggle drugs across our borders,” it said. — Bernama