CNB officers shows unprofessionalism in arresting non-wrongdoer

by Imran bin Azman

I was recently made the subject of Central Narcotic Branch (CNB)’s interest while I was sleeping at home. They knocked at my door claiming to be from HDB but when my wife opened the door, they identified themselves as CNB officers. I was taken to the police station for a urine test based on a “tip-off”.

The urine test came back as negative. They were not satisfied and wanted to send the sample to be tested at HSA (Health Science Authority). I was released on bail.

They could not or would not disclose the identity of the “trusted informant”. When I ask for the alleged offence, they reply that “they are under the boss’ instruction to bring me in.

It caused me undue embarrassment when I was handcuffed in view of my neighbours. It also caused a misunderstanding between my wife and I, loss of my employer’s trust and loss of work attendance bonus of $600 to $800 as I had to travel back and forth to the police station.

Our law enforcement is supposed to be the best and the most professional in the world; it is fair and without discrimination and prejudice. An information should be fully supported by intelligence and field gatherings before decision is made to arrest the suspect.

It is frightening to know that any precarious or revengeful person can give a tip-off to set one’s life in turmoil. Shouldn’t this person be charged for false information, deceiving the law enforcers, leading them to a wild goose chase and waste of tax payers’ money?

The irony is that there was no warrant of arrest, no search warrant nor my house was searched. I was given bail for an alleged offence that was not made clear to me. When the urine test came back negative, they should have let me off but instead, not feeling satisfied, they sent it to HSA.

How are we to trust the officers meant to protect and serve us if they don’t have a shred of human decency?

Above is a letter which was sent to Straits Times forum on 30 September 2016 with the writer’s full name and IC number, however, it was rejected by ST for publication with no clarification.

The Online Citizen was informed of the story and tried to seek clarification with the Singapore Police for a total of four attempts over two months this year. But there had been no reply nor acknowledgment from the Police about the query, only the automated message from the SPF mailing system that the mail had been successfully delivered.

Speaking to TOC, Mr Imran said, “They already cleared my name because there’s nothing they can press against me… but what make it worse is why they don’t do surveillance or field study on me before making that raid during 7+ in the morning when I was still asleep.. lucky for me, my ongoing school kids already left for school! But still I’ve to explain to all those involved in my life especially my wife, my bosses!”