Shawn Loo faces fresh drug charge linked to gathering with late lawyer M Ravi

Shawn Loo Zhi Jian, who was with the late lawyer M Ravi on the day of his death, has been charged with a second drug-related offence.

On 2 January 2026, the 40-year-old was charged with consuming methamphetamine on or before 24 December 2025. If convicted, the offence carries a sentence of one to 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of S$20,000, or both.

This follows an earlier charge issued last week, in which Loo is accused of arranging a gathering with M Ravi, allegedly knowing that methamphetamine would be consumed.

According to court documents, the alleged gathering occurred between 1am and 5am on 24 December 2025 at an apartment along Upper Boon Keng Road.

The initial charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years’ imprisonment, up to 20 years’ jail, and a maximum of 10 strokes of the cane.

Loo appeared at the State Courts in person, dressed in a white shirt and bermudas. He is currently out on bail of S$20,000.

He is represented by Ashvin Hariharan of Ashvin Law Corporation.

The prosecution requested a four-week adjournment for police investigations to be completed. The case is scheduled for mention again on 28 January.

In a joint statement released on 26 December last year by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the police, the agencies said that based on preliminary investigations, Loo had told investigators that he and M Ravi met at Loo’s apartment that morning to consume methamphetamine.

According to the same statement, Loo allegedly said the drugs had come from both parties.

This public disclosure, based on Loo’s account, was met with criticism from some members of the public and M Ravi’s family, who viewed the release as premature, given that investigations were ongoing and no findings had been formally established.

Concerns were also raised about the propriety of publicising claims made by a suspect shortly after the death of a prominent individual.

The statement further said that Loo claimed M Ravi began exhibiting symptoms of distress and became unresponsive after the alleged drug use.

Loo reportedly attempted to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation before seeking emergency assistance.

M Ravi, aged 56, was taken unconscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Well known for his human rights work and longstanding pro bono legal advocacy, M Ravi had been a significant figure in Singapore’s legal and civil society landscape.

Authorities added that follow-up investigations suggested Loo may have disposed of some drugs before the police arrived at the apartment.

He has since been referred for a possible offence of perverting the course of justice, although no such charge has been formally filed to date.