Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau worked with international agencies to dismantle a transnational drug trafficking syndicate. The operation seized more than 10kg of methamphetamine from freight parcels passing through Singapore.
Multi-Agency Operation
CNB started 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 showed that parcels carrying controlled drugs were passing through Singapore. The drugs were hidden inside electronic devices. These parcels came from the US and were headed to New Zealand.
Key Seizures and International Links
CNB intercepted and searched suspect parcels. Officers found over 10kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’.
These parcels used methods similar to previous seizures. The narcotics were stuffed inside electronics and sent through courier and virtual office services. These techniques were meant to hide their true origin.
Follow-up actions led to New Zealand Customs intercepting additional parcels in April and June 2025. They seized another 10kg of meth, with a street value of NZ$3 million (~SGD$2.4 million).
Brunei’s agency had already seized 49kg of meth in prior operations. Australian authorities caught about 40kg in consignments where drugs were hidden in furniture, coffee, and mustard shipments. This showed how far the syndicate’s reach extended.
The Australian seizure was worth about A$37 million (~SGD$33 million).
Ongoing Investigation and Origins
US Drug Enforcement Administration investigators believe the meth came from Mexico before entering the US. From there, it was distributed illegally across Asia Pacific markets.
The international syndicate remains under investigation in the US. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is actively pursuing leads to identify all participants and supply sources.
Syndicate’s Evasion Techniques
Across all borders, the syndicate used creative concealment strategies. They relied on electronic devices and split 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, said criminal organisations trying to exploit Singapore’s role as a logistics hub will find their schemes quickly stopped.
The multilateral efforts have strengthened collaboration between regional agencies. All partners expressed commitment to future joint operations.
