Latest news with #CNB
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- AsiaOne
14-year-old student, 5 foreigners among 139 arrested in $630k islandwide drug bust, Singapore News
A 14-year-old student and five male foreigners were among 139 people arrested by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) in an islandwide drug bust conducted from May 18 to 30, 2025. In a press release on Saturday (May 31), CNB said they seized about 3,588g of heroin, 2,744g of cannabis, 1,303g of Ice, 155g of ketamine, 54g of Ecstasy, 26g of cocaine and 213 Erimin-5 tablets. The authority also seized 49 vape devices suspected to contain cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and 22 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps. The drugs seized have an estimated worth of over $626,700 and could potentially feed the addiction of 2,840 abusers for a week, according to CNB. In one operation conducted in the early morning of 23 May, CNB officers acting on information received raided a facility in the vicinity of Tuas South Avenue and arrested five foreigners aged between 23 and 34. Two men, aged 25 and 34, put up a struggle to resist arrest and necessary force was used to subdue them, said the authority. A 23-year-old man was spotted by officers allegedly attempting to dispose of substances believed to be drugs, and the disposed items, including about 2g of cannabis, were seized. He was thereafter arrested. The fourth man, 24, was found with a small amount of Ice on his person; and a total of about 27g of cannabis was found in a room in a residential lodging in the vicinity. The lodger, 32, was arrested for possession of a controlled drug. 2 men arrested for suspected drug trafficking Another raid of a hotel room in the vicinity of Geylang Lorong 10 on May 28 led to the arrest of a 46-year-old man for suspected drug trafficking offences. CNB officers had conducted forced entry as the man refused to comply with the lawful orders to open the door, according to the release. About 2,818g of heroin, 565g of Ice, 20g of cannabis, 24g of ketamine, four Erimin-5 tablets and $541.61 in cash were found in the room. In another case, a 29-year-old Singaporean man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences at a condominium carpark in the vicinity of Tampines Street 86 on May 29. CNB said the man was escorted to his hideout in the condominium, where about 2,104g of cannabis, 165g of Ice, 103g of ketamine, 37g of 'Ecstasy', 26g of cocaine, 22 LSD stamps, 10 Erimin-5 tablets and 49 vape devices suspected to contain THC were seized. A person found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine or "pure heroin", or 250g of methamphetamine, or more than 500g of cannabis may face the mandatory death penalty. Investigations into all suspects are ongoing. [[nid:718083]]
International Business Times
3 days ago
- International Business Times
More Than 130 People, Including 14-Year-Old Arrested in Drug Raids, Over S$600K Worth of Drugs Seized
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said on Saturday, May 31, that 139 people were arrested and nearly 3.6 kg of heroin was seized during drug raids across Singapore in May. Of the 139 arrested, the youngest was a 14-year-old student for suspected drug use. CNB officers conducted an island-wide anti-drug operation from May 18 to May 30, covering areas such as Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, Bukit Merah, Jurong and Sengkang. The authority issued a press release and stated, "A total of about 3,588g of heroin, 2,744g of cannabis, 1,303g of 'Ice', 155g of ketamine, 54g of 'Ecstasy', 26g of cocaine, 213 of Erimin-5 tablets, 49 vape devices suspected to contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and 22 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps were seized." The drugs seized are estimated to be worth more than $626,700 and could potentially feed the addiction of 2,840 abusers for a week. CNB initiated a raid on Tuas South Avenue early on May 23, based on information gathered. CNB said that five foreign nationals, aged 23 to 34, were arrested for suspected narcotics offenses. Two of them attempted to resist arrest, thus "necessary force" was used to subdue them. "Two men, aged 25 and 34, put up a struggle to resist arrest and necessary force was used to subdue them. A 23-year-old man was spotted by CNB officers in the process of disposing of substances believed to be drugs. The disposed items, including about 2g of cannabis, were seized and the 23-year-old was arrested after he was suspected to have been disposing drugs," CNB added. In addition, the authority also stated that a 24-year-old man was found with a small amount of 'Ice' on his person; and "a total of about 27g of cannabis was found in a room in a residential lodging in the vicinity. The lodger, aged 32 years old was arrested for possession of a controlled drug." On May 28, CNB officers raided a hotel room in Geylang Lorong 10 and arrested a 46-year-old man for alleged narcotics trafficking charges. The officers forced their way in because the man refused to open the door. More than 2.8kg of heroin was discovered, along with 565g of Ice, 20g of Cannabis, 24g of Ketamine, four Erimin-5 tablets, and over S$500 in cash. The following day, a 29-year-old male was arrested in the parking lot of a condominium on Tampines Street 86 for alleged narcotics trafficking offenses. According to CNB, he was led to his "hideout in the condominium". Officers discovered over 2kg of cannabis, 165g of ice, 103g of ketamine, 37g of ecstasy, 26g of cocaine, 22 LSD stamps, Erimin-5 tablets, and 49 vapes. Assistant Commissioner Aaron Tang, director CNB's Intelligence Division, said: "The operation demonstrates CNB's relentless and resolute stance against drugs. The drugs we seized from the operation would have destroyed countless lives and families in Singapore." "Our message is clear - those who choose to profit from selling drugs will face the full force of CNB's actions. We will hunt these drug traffickers down to keep Singapore drug-free for our communities." Investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing. If a person is found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine or pure heroin, or 250g of methamphetamine, or more than 500g of cannabis, they may face the mandatory death penalty.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
14-year-old among 139 nabbed in anti-drug raid, more than $600k worth of drugs seized
Over $626,700 worth of drugs were seized. PHOTOS: CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU 14-year-old among 139 nabbed in anti-drug raid, more than $600k worth of drugs seized SINGAPORE - A 14-year-old student was among 139 people arrested in an anti-drug blitz where drugs worth over $626,700 in total were seized. In a statement on May 31 , the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said that the island-wide operation took place from May 18 to May 30 , and covered areas including Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, Bukit Merah, Jurong, and Sengkang. A total of about 3,588g of heroin , 2,744g of cannabis , 1,303g of Ice , 155g of ketamine , 54g of Ecstasy , 26g of cocaine , and 213 Erimin-5 tablets were seized, CNB said. Another 49 vape devices suspected to contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and 22 LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) stamps were also seized. The seized drugs were estimated to be able to feed the addiction of 2,840 abusers for a week. On the morning of May 23 , five foreign men , aged between 23 and 34 , were arrested in the vicinity of Tuas South Avenue for suspected drug offences . One of them, a 23 -year-old, was caught by CNB officers while discarding substances believed to be drugs, which included about 2g of cannabis. He was then arrested. Another 24 -year-old man was found with a small amount of Ice in his possession. A total of about 27g of cannabis was later found in a room in a residential lodging nearby. A 32-year-old lodger was arrested for possession of a controlled drug. In the afternoon of May 28 , CNB officers raided a hotel room near Geylang Lorong 10. A 46 -year-old man was arrested for suspected drug trafficking offences. A search of the room found about 2,818g of heroin , 565g of Ice , 20g of cannabis , 24g of ketamine , four Erimin-5 tablets and $541.61 in cash , CNB said. A day later, a 29-year-old Singaporean man was arrested at the carpark of a condominium near Tampines Street 86 . He was under suspicion of drug trafficking offences. He was escorted to his hideout in the condominium where about 2,104g of cannabis, 165g of Ice, 103g of ketamine, 37g of Ecstasy, 26g of cocaine, 22 LSD stamps, 10 Erimin-5 tablets and 49 vape devices suspected to contain THC were seized. Investigations into all arrested suspects are ongoing. Anyone found guilty of trafficking more than 15g of diamorphine or 'pure heroin', or 250g of methamphetamine, or more than 500g of cannabis, may face mandatory death penalty. According to CNB's annual statistics report on Feb 12 , in 2024, there were 126 new drug abusers under the age of 20 arrested, with the youngest aged 13. This was 30 per cent more than the 97 nabbed in 2023 . New abusers totalled 966 in 2024 , more than the 952 arrested in 2023 . However, the number of repeat offenders arrested was 2,153 in 2024 , down from 2,170 the previous year . Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Standard
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Deepak Fertilisers records over 21% YoY growth in Q4 PAT to Rs 278 crore
Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corporation reported 21% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 278 crore on a 28% increase in operating revenue to Rs 2,667 crore in Q4 FY25 as compared with Q4 FY24. EBITDA improved by 10% to Rs 480 crore in the fourth quarter from Rs 438 crore recorded in the same period last year. EBITDA margin fell by 299 basis points year-over-year (YoY) to 18% in Q4 FY25. Profit before tax in Q4 FY25 stood at Rs 320 crore, up by 8% from Rs 296.36 crore in Q4 FY24. For FY25, Deepak Fertilisers has registered a consolidated net profit of Rs 945 crore (up 102% YoY) and operating revenue of Rs 10,274 crore (up 18% YoY). The company said that in the CNB business, bulk fertilizers manufactured sales volume in Q4 surged by 68% YoY, driven by increased adoption of its innovative crop focus nutrient solution. During FY25, the company achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 1 million MT in bulk fertilizer sales and liquidation for the first time. In the TAN business, the companys speciality product, LDAN, saw an impressive 11% YoY growth in sales volume in Q4 FY25, and a notable 15% YoY increase for the entire fiscal year. Despite capex spent of Rs 655 crore in FY25, net debt reduced from Rs 3,426 crore to Rs 3,305 crore based on healthy cash generation. Net debt to EBIDTA reduced from 2.66x to 1.72x on YoY basis. S.C. Mehta, chairman and managing director of DFPCL, stated: This year has been challenging yet transformative, marked by strategic actions that boosted growth across all product segments. Our shift from a commodity focus to a specialty and solutions-led company is well underway. Specialty products now comprise 22% of our total operating revenue, up from 17% in FY24, with a 51% YoY growth. Crop-focused fertilizers constitute 30% of our portfolio, reaffirming our commitment to delivering differentiated, customer-first solutions. FY 202526 is poised to be a pivotal yearone that will prepare us for a major operational leap, with key capacity expansions nearing completion by H2 FY26. These expansions will elevate us as one of the global leader in Technical Ammonium Nitrate and Building Block Nitric Acid. To ensure financial robustness, we raised ₹800 crore via CCDs in our subsidiary, DMSL, strengthening our balance sheet and addressing near-term funding needs while maintaining a prudent debt ratio. With an above-average monsoon forecast, we expect robust Kharif season demand for crop-specific solutions. Mining Chemicals growth from FY25 is likely to continue into FY26, driven by increasing power demand and infrastructure investments. The health sector is projected to expand, supported by government and private initiatives, boosting our Pharma / Specialty Chemicals portfolio. Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation (DFPCL) is among the Indias leading manufacturers of industrial chemicals and fertilisers. With a strong presence in technical ammonium nitrate (mining chemicals), industrial chemicals and crop nutrition (fertilisers), the company supports critical sectors of the economy such as infrastructure, mining, chemicals, pharmaceutical and agriculture. The scrip had declined 2.25% to end at Rs 1338 on the BSE.
Singapore Law Watch
16-05-2025
- Health
- Singapore Law Watch
S'pore must be wary of synthetic drugs amid worst overdose epidemic in history: Veteran journalist
S'pore must be wary of synthetic drugs amid worst overdose epidemic in history: Veteran journalist Source: Straits Times Article Date: 16 May 2025 Author: Andrew Wong British journalist Ioan Grillo has reported on the drug scene from Mexico for more than two decades. Synthetic drugs like fentanyl have become so potent that illegal drug producers are intentionally weakening the dosage to prevent the drugs from killing their customers, said a veteran British journalist. Englishman Ioan Grillo has reported on the drug scene from Mexico for more than two decades and is in Singapore to speak at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs, which takes place at Furama RiverFront Hotel from May 15 to 17. Used as a painkiller, fentanyl – a Class A controlled drug in Singapore – is estimated to be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. It killed 76,000 people in the US in 2023, and 48,422 in 2024. In his opening address at the forum, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the threat of synthetic drugs is coming closer to home, after reports emerged in March that Malaysia had found traces of fentanyl in its sewage systems. Tapping his experiences with drug cartels in Mexico, Mr Grillo said fentanyl has killed so many people that it is actually bad business for drug sellers. He said: 'Because you're killing off your customers. So they're trying to find ways to mix it up with other drugs or tranquillisers.' Mr Grillo said that 20 years ago, he would be able to have a conversation with a drug user or addict. But the effects of synthetic drugs are more pronounced, such that he can barely make sense of his conversations with drug users today. He said: 'The addicts today are completely zombified, and an incredible number of people are dying from these drugs. This may be the worst overdose epidemic in history.' He added that modern synthetic drugs could be manufactured so purely that the doses are exponentially higher than that of drugs in the past. Speaking to The Straits Times on May 14, Mr Grillo said the revolution towards synthetic drugs has surfaced in Asia and will pose a bigger problem than traditional plant-based drugs, like cannabis. He said: 'If you look at it – the biggest problem in Asia is methamphetamine, and it is a synthetic drug. (Suppliers) have found big markets in the Philippines, in Malaysia, and it's the biggest problem in Singapore.' Annual statistics from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) show that methamphetamine was the most commonly abused drug in Singapore in 2024. In its 2024 report, the United Nations-backed International Narcotics Control Board said a rapid expansion of synthetic drugs is becoming a global public health threat. These drugs, which are cheaper to make, mean greater profits for producers and traffickers. In 2021, CNB uncovered the first known attempt to traffic fentanyl in its pure form into Singapore after seizing 200 vials containing about 20mg of the opioid in a scanned package from Vietnam. To solve the global drug problem, former White House Office of National Drug Control Policy adviser Kevin Sabet said governments should tackle drug problems on the local level first. Mr Sabet, a drug policy scholar, will also speak at the Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs. He told ST that in Singapore's case, deterrence in the form of strict drug legislation seems to be working. But he warned that the global consensus against drug abuse has been challenged in recent years by those who lobby for legislative changes and softer attitudes towards narcotics. Said Mr Sabet: 'One of the things I'm extremely worried about is the movement to legalise drugs. It's coming from a multibillion-dollar movement that is very smart, calculated, and running in non-governmental organisations around the world.' He pointed out that a key goal for the movement is to break the global consensus against drug abuse and argued that countries cannot lose sight of the need to work together. He cited Thailand's experience with decriminalising the recreational use of cannabis in 2022, before reversing its decision after a public backlash. Mr Sabet said the movement targeted Thailand, arguing that cannabis could be used for medicinal purposes and somehow convincing the authorities to go ahead with the move. He said countries should not be swayed by such rhetoric. Said Mr Sabet: 'Instead, focus on a comprehensive approach and see prevention and recovery as your North Star. 'And do not succumb to those who tell us that we can simplify our way out of the drug problem by making drugs safer to use, or encouraging even more drug use.' Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
