A Singaporean man found out that nothing escapes the eyes of ICA officers, not even something as small and easily hidden as tablets. On 5 July 2005 at about 0045 hours, the Singaporean man arrived on a flight from Jakarta carrying a paper bag and a pouch. He did not have any luggage with him. Our ICA officer noticed that the man was walking towards the exit of the Airport Arrival Hall in a hurried manner. The ICA officer observed that the man appeared nervous and was trying hard to control his walking to a leisurely pace. Sensing something amiss, the officer stopped the Singaporean man and directed him to the x-ray machine to screen his paper bag and pouch.

2 His paper bag and pouch were screened and 420 tablets suspected to be controlled drugs were found in his paper bag. Another eight tablets were found in his pouch. The 51-year-old man was put through a thorough search but nothing incriminating was found. He was immediately arrested and the case was referred to CNB.

3 The suspect is traced on criminal records for importation, possession and consumption of a controlled drug. He will be investigated for the offence of importation of a controlled drug. If convicted, he will face a minimum sentence of 3 years imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane.

4 In view of the current global situation, enforcement agencies at all entry and exit points are working closely together to step up security inspections of all persons, goods and vehicles entering or leaving Singapore. As a result, drug traffickers can also expect to face a heightened gauntlet of security checks and measures at our entry and exit points

END OF NEWS RELEASE

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Central Narcotics Bureau
5 Jul 2005