Central Narcotics Bureau
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The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore was established in 1971 as the primary drug enforcement agency entrusted with the responsibilities of coordinating all matters pertaining to drug eradication. In 1994, the “Committee to Improve the Drug Situation in Singapore” was set up to look into the drug situation and it recommended a total and integrated approach to deal with the drug problem. The four main strategies are Preventive Drug Education, Rigorous Enforcement, Treatment and Rehabilitation for addicts, and finally, Aftercare and Continued Rehabilitation for ex-addicts to reintegrate them into society. CNB took on the responsibility of preventive drug education in addition to drug enforcement.
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[edit] Organisational structure
The Bureau is commanded by the Director who is assisted by the Deputy Director. There are four operational divisions in CNB, namely, Intelligence, Enforcement, Supervision, and Investigation. There are four staff divisions/units, namely, Administration Division, Strategic Planning and Development Division (which includes Department Technology Office, Training Unit, Organisation Development and Research and Planning), Preventive Education Unit and Public Affairs Unit.
[edit] Enforcement
In October 1997, Singapore deposited the instruments of accession to the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 (1988 Convention). We acceded to the 1988 Convention on 1 January 1988. The 1988 Convention is an international effort to make it mandatory for signatory countries to criminalise drug trafficking and its related activities. The convention also requires the monitoring and control of precursor chemicals necessary in the manufacture of controlled drugs.
As a result of Singapore's accession to the 1988 Convention, the Misuse of Drugs Act (Chapter 185) was amended on 20 July 1998 to control the manufacture, supply and possession of precursor chemicals as well as provide regulations on the import, export and transhipment of these chemicals. There are currently twenty two controlled substances and they are identified by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) which is charge of implementing the 1988 Convention.
[edit] Weapons
CNB officers wear plain clothes on duty, but depending on the mission they may be equipped with a Taurus Model 85 revolver.
