Authorities in Singapore reported a significant increase in drug-related arrests at border checkpoints in 2025, attributing the rise to traffickers’ evolving methods to avoid detection and intensified enforcement efforts. According to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), 975 drug arrests were made at checkpoints this year, marking a 53% increase from the 635 arrests recorded in 2024.
The cases involved drug importation, possession, and consumption, with substances frequently concealed in personal belongings or vehicle compartments. The increase in apprehensions coincides with an expansion of joint operations between the ICA and CNB, which conducted 1,417 coordinated enforcement actions—a 34% rise compared to 1,053 operations in 2024.
Notable seizures include over 25 kilograms of cocaine discovered in stuffed toys within luggage at Changi Airport Terminal 4 in July. This bust followed intelligence exchanges between CNB and the Hong Kong Police Force and led to the arrest of five women. Another incident on September 23 at Tuas Checkpoint involved the discovery of 9 kilograms of drugs hidden inside sealed commercial biscuit packets and within the storage box of a Malaysia-registered motorcycle. The Malaysian rider was detained, and a follow-up operation in Tampines resulted in the arrest of a Singaporean man with 1.5 kilograms of drugs.
Despite the rise in checkpoint-related arrests, Singapore’s overall drug situation remains relatively stable. The total number of drug abusers apprehended in 2025 stood at 3,208, comparable to 3,175 in the previous year, according to the World Drug Report 2025, which noted a global increase in substance abuse.
Authorities highlighted the role of technological advancements and intelligence-led enforcement in strengthening border security. Checkpoint Inspector Muhamed Salmin Mohamed Sadil, leading a search team at Woodlands Checkpoint, explained that detection combines ground profiling with data analytics conducted by the Integrated Targeting Centre. This centre supports the ICA’s New Clearance Concept introduced in 2024 by analyzing information to identify high-risk travelers, vehicles, and cargo, enabling targeted checks rather than routine inspections of all arrivals.
Officers receive specialized training that includes recognizing behavioral cues and identifying signs of vehicle modifications. Tools such as X-ray scanners, narcotic and explosive trace detectors, saliva test kits, and rapid drug identification kits aid in detecting concealed substances. The New Clearance Concept also allows ICA officers to shift from manual processing to higher-value tasks including profiling and conducting interviews, supported by training methods like simulations and 3D vehicle renderings to enhance their detection capabilities.
Guo Jingwen, deputy commanding officer of CNB’s Enforcement L Division, emphasized that enforcement extends beyond the checkpoints. When a drug case is uncovered, CNB follows leads that may result in further investigations, arrests, and seizures inland. Authorities also reminded Singapore citizens and permanent residents that consuming controlled drugs overseas remains an offence under Singapore law.