Drug Smuggling Syndicate Busted in Singapore
A Drug Runner’s Sentence
A 31-year-old man, Tan Guosheng, has been sentenced to 27 years and seven months in jail, plus 15 strokes of the cane in Singapore, for his involvement in a drug smuggling syndicate. He worked under his "boss", Lian Hoe Heng, 58, for about three months, collecting and delivering methamphetamine, ketamine, cannabis, and MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy tablets, before he was arrested.
The Scheme
Tan collected drugs from various drop-off points in Singapore and delivered the items to customers. He was paid about S$1,000 (RM3,300) per collection and S$100 per delivery, according to the Singapore High Court. Lian, who laundered over S$1.27 million (RM4.24 million) in drug proceeds, was sentenced last December to 28 years and nine months in jail. He fled to Johor Bahru in 2018 and was repatriated in 2023. He has filed an appeal against his sentence.
The Charges
Tan pleaded guilty to five charges of drug trafficking, possession, drug consumption, failing a urine test, and facilitating the laundering of drug proceeds. He trafficked 249.99gm of methamphetamine, which is just below the 250gm death penalty threshold.
The Sentence
Tan’s accomplice, Adam Koh, 30, who was arrested in 2020 outside a house in Kembangan, Bedok, where he stored and repacked drugs, was sentenced to 27 years and four months’ jail and 15 strokes of the cane. Apart from living there, Tan stored, weighed, and repacked drugs at the house and was arrested by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau on October 7, 2020.
Conclusion
The sentences handed down to Tan and Lian are a stern warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade. The authorities in Singapore are committed to combating drug trafficking and will not hesitate to take action against those who engage in such activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the penalty for drug trafficking in Singapore?
The death penalty is applicable for drug trafficking above 250gm, while below that threshold, the sentence is typically up to 20 years in jail. - What is the penalty for drug possession in Singapore?
The penalty for drug possession in Singapore varies depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, with the maximum penalty being up to 10 years in jail. - What is the penalty for drug consumption in Singapore?
The penalty for drug consumption in Singapore is typically up to 12 months in jail. - What is the penalty for laundering drug proceeds in Singapore?
The penalty for laundering drug proceeds in Singapore is typically up to 15 years in jail.