Drug arrests at checkpoints surge 53% in Singapore 2025

A Singaporean man was arrested that day in relation to the smuggling attempt after officers found 1.5kg of drugs in a follow-up operation in Tampines.

According to the World Drug Report 2025, drug abuse has reached an all-time high.

But the overall situation in Singapore remains stable, with 3,208 drug abusers arrested here in 2025, and 3,175 in 2024.

Joint operation

ICA and CNB said they combine technology, intelligence and enforcement expertise to safeguard Singapore’s borders.

On Sept 29, Checkpoint Inspector Muhamed Salmin Mohamed Sadli, the group leader of an ICA search and examination team at Woodlands Command, spoke to the media after a joint operation at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

He said detection efforts involve both profiling by officers on the ground and enhanced targeting by the Integrated Targeting Centre.

The centre, which was set up to support ICA’s New Clearance Concept that was implemented in 2024, uses information and data analytics to identify higher-risk travellers, vehicles and cargo. Arriving travellers and vehicles are referred for enhanced checks, allowing for a more targeted approach.

Muhamed Salmin said: “We are also trained to identify tell-tale signs, such as travellers’ body language, as well as signs of modifications in vehicles, and sieve them out for further checks.”

The technologies used at the checkpoints include X-ray scanners, explosive and narcotic trace detectors, saliva test kits and drug identification kits that show test results within minutes.

Separately, the New Clearance Concept has allowed ICA officers to be redeployed from manual counter duties to higher-value functions such as profiling and conducting targeted interviews and investigations.

They are trained through role-play, gamification, simulation and small-group discussions.

This is aided by technologies such as 3D renderings of different vehicles, allowing them to more effectively learn about concealment areas and their tell-tale indicators of the different models.

Guo Jingwen, the deputy commanding officer of CNB’s Enforcement L Division, said wider drug trafficking activities are disrupted through follow-up action beyond the checkpoints.

He said: “When a suspected drug case is detected at a checkpoint, CNB will assess and follow up on relevant leads. This may lead to further investigations, arrests and drug seizures inland.

“We remind Singapore citizens and permanent residents that consuming controlled drugs overseas remains an offence under Singapore law.”