Telegram-linked drug activities busted in CNB islandwide raid; 39 arrested
Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 39 suspected drug offenders in an islandwide operation targeting drug-related activities conducted through Telegram.The operation was carried out on Sept 15 following investigations into drug-related activities detected across multiple Telegram channels, CNB said in a news release on Tuesday (Sept 29).The channels were found to have links to multiple drug trafficking networks.About half of those arrested were below 30 years old.Drugs seized during the operation included cannabis, Ice and Ecstasy, along with several pieces of drug paraphernalia.Preliminary investigations found that 19 of the suspects were linked to the same drug trafficking network.CNB said the operation demonstrated its ability to detect drug-related activities online, develop intelligence and take enforcement action against those involved.The bureau said it remains concerned about young people being exposed to misinformation about drugs and pro-drug content online.