Over 28kg of cocaine found on vessel transiting Singapore

Singaporean authorities have seized more than 28 kilograms of cocaine found concealed within sea chest strainers aboard a foreign-registered vessel. The discovery was made on August 21 by officers from the Police Coast Guard during a routine inspection in Singapore's waters.

Following the initial alert regarding suspicious packages, the Police Coast Guard boarded the vessel. They uncovered two packages believed to contain controlled drugs hidden within the sea chest strainers, which are used to filter debris from seawater entering the ship. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) subsequently took charge of the case, confirming the substance as cocaine and quantifying the amount at over 28kg.

Early investigations indicate that the substantial drug haul was not destined for the local Singaporean market. The CNB is continuing its inquiries into the origin and intended destination of the cocaine, as well as the vessel's country of registration. Under Singapore's strict Misuse of Drugs Act, the penalty for importing or exporting more than 30 grams of cocaine is the mandatory death penalty.