Rare glimpse into CNB blitz on new psychoactive substances

The Straits Times sees how 'A' division CNB officers conduct ops against drug suspects

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On Feb 12, 2019, The Straits Times was given rare access and shown how officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau conduct operations against dealers and abusers of new psychoactive substances.
Two suspects being handcuffed after they were searched by plainclothes CNB officers, who found tobacco wrapped in paper in their possession. The officers believed the tobacco had been laced with NPS or new psychoactive substances. A suspected abuser
A suspected abuser of new psychoactive substances (NPS) being questioned by CNB plainclothes officers during an operation on Tuesday near Lavender Road. The suspect was found with tobacco believed to be laced with NPS when his belongings were searched. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
Two suspects being handcuffed after they were searched by plainclothes CNB officers, who found tobacco wrapped in paper in their possession. The officers believed the tobacco had been laced with NPS or new psychoactive substances. A suspected abuser
Two suspects being handcuffed after they were searched by plainclothes CNB officers, who found tobacco wrapped in paper in their possession. The officers believed the tobacco had been laced with NPS or new psychoactive substances. ST PHOTO: ZAIHAN MOHAMED YUSOF
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The bald man sat at the coffee shop enjoying a drink. He was joined at the table by a few others who were believed to have received small packets from the man.

The exchange at the busy coffee shop would have gone unnoticed. But, unknown to the group, they were being observed by plainclothes officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), sitting a few tables away.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 16, 2019, with the headline Rare glimpse into CNB blitz on new psychoactive substances. Subscribe