Singapore authorities seize 509kg of cannabis in container at Pasir Panjang sea checkpoint

Singapore authorities have seized 509kg of cannabis from a 20-foot inbound container at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station, one of the country’s sea checkpoints, following a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies.

The seizure took place on 3 January 2026 and was announced in a joint news release by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on 9 January 2026.

According to the authorities, preliminary investigations indicate that the drugs were transiting through Singapore and were intended for another country. Investigations into the case are ongoing.

The operation was initiated after Singapore Customs received information relating to the container. The information was subsequently shared with ICA and CNB, prompting further action.

Based on the intelligence received, the container was selected for enhanced checks. These checks were supported by pre-arrival risk assessment conducted by ICA’s Integrated Targeting Centre, according to the joint statement.

During scanning operations at the checkpoint, ICA’s image analysts detected anomalies in the scanned images of the container. The irregularities raised suspicions and led to a physical inspection of the cargo.

During the inspection, ICA officers discovered one packet of a brownish substance suspected to be a controlled drug. The packet was found inside a box within the container.

CNB officers were alerted following the initial discovery. They conducted further and more extensive checks on the container and its contents.

These follow-up checks led to the uncovering of a total of 92 packets of cannabis. The combined weight of the seized drugs was assessed to be 509kg, the authorities said.

Under Singapore law, drug offences involving such quantities carry severe penalties. Section 7 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 stipulates that individuals who import into or export from Singapore more than 500g of cannabis may face the death penalty.

The authorities emphasised that investigations are ongoing. They did not disclose further details about the origin of the container, its intended destination, or whether any arrests have been made.

In the joint news release, ICA said it continues to leverage technology and data analytics to strengthen its targeting and detection capabilities at the checkpoints.

The authority highlighted the role of advanced scanning systems and trained image analysts in identifying suspicious cargo and preventing illicit activities at Singapore’s borders.

The authorities also reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation. They noted that the successful seizure was the result of close collaboration between Singapore Customs, ICA and CNB.

According to the statement, the agencies will continue working together to conduct security checks at checkpoints.

These efforts are aimed at preventing attempts to smuggle drugs, undesirable persons, weapons, explosives and other contraband across Singapore’s borders.

Singapore maintains a strict stance against drug trafficking. The authorities have consistently stated that robust enforcement and severe penalties are necessary to deter drug syndicates from exploiting the country’s position as a global transport and transhipment hub.