Addressing Gaps in Detecting Illicit Goods in Container Transit Traffic Through Risk-Scoring Models and Upstream Supply Chain Detection

Mr Gabriel Lam asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) in light of recent seizures of large drug consignments transiting through Singapore, what blind spots exist in detecting illicit goods within high-volume container traffic; (b) how are risk-scoring models adapted for transit shipments not intended for Singapore; and (c) whether detection capabilities upstream in the supply chain are being strengthened.

As a major global transhipment hub, Singapore handles a very high volume of cargo and it is not practical to subject all of them to checks and inspection. Instead, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Singapore Customs adopt a risk-based and multi-layered approach to detect and interdict illicit goods, including narcotics. This entails making risk assessments based on advance cargo information, document analytics, routing patterns and intelligence inputs. Higher-risk consignments will be targeted for further checks and inspection using advanced radio graphic scanners and physical checks as well. The risk models are regularly reviewed to take into account the evolving modus operandi of the syndicates.

Singapore also works closely with international counterparts to detect and disrupt the flow of illicit goods through the timely exchange of intelligence and joint operations. These joint efforts enable enforcement action to be taken at multiple points along the supply chain, including beyond Singapore's borders.

The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated on 3 January this year, when ICA and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) detected a 20-foot inbound container carrying 509 kilogrammes of cannabis at Pasir Panjang Scanning Station. Investigations found that the drugs were only transiting through Singapore and were bound for the United Kingdom (UK). CNB then launched a cross-border operation with the UK's Home Office International Operations, UK Border Force and West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit. Through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions, the cross-border operation disrupted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate and downstream drug trafficking activities, with the UK arresting seven persons so far and further investigations underway. Through this joint operation, the UK authorities managed to seize a further 412 kilogrammes of cannabis in a separate container bound for the UK on 25 February 2026 and additional quantities of cannabis in the UK.