Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) officers have arrested three Malaysians after 3.7kg of heroin and 1kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of S$307,000 were seized at Woodlands Checkpoint on Thursday.
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said in a joint news release on Friday that the officers found a suspicious bag at the right side of the driver's seat, after directing the Malaysia-registered bus for further checks.
"The bag was opened in the presence of the three suspects and ICA officers uncovered some bundles, suspected to be controlled drugs," the officers said in the release.
The 36-year-old Malaysian bus driver was arrested, along with two of his passengers - a 20-year-old man and a 24-year-old man.
The CNB officials also arrested two other Singaporeans, including a 35-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man, in a follow-up operation. They were arrested in the Jalan Pelatok area, off Upper Changi Road East.
The authorities said a raid of the suspects' rented room has uncovered a total of 260g of "Ice" or methamphetamine, 130g of heroin, two "Yaba" or methamphetamine tablets, a small amount of cannabis and a bottle of methadone.
The investigations are going on. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the suspects can face the death penalty if more than 15g of diamorphine or pure heroin is trafficked.
In the press release, ICA and CNB said Singapore's borders are the country's first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. They added that the security checks are quite critical to the nation's security.
"The Home Team agencies will continue to conduct checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands," the officers added.
