Superintendent Joey Tan’s first-hand experience on the frontline fuels his passion for formulating effective policies in the fight for a drug-free Singapore.
On a day-to-day basis, Superintendent (SUPT1) Joey Tan’s work at the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) revolves around taking charge and leading the officers of CNB’s Enforcement ‘G’ Division and ensuring its daily operations runs smoothly. But when asked to identify a pivotal moment in his career, he recalls an intense experience as an enforcement officer on the frontlines in the early days of his career in CNB.
During one of his first drug raids, SUPT1 Tan and his colleagues had arrested a female drug trafficker at a hideout, when they noticed signs that she might be caring for a toddler. The woman then revealed during questioning that she had been looking after a one-year-old whose biological mother was on the run for drug-related offences.
The officers also learnt that the child had been taken away before the raid by two other suspected drug traffickers. “Concerned for the safety of the toddler, we worked tirelessly to mount a follow-up operation to locate the suspects and the child,” recounts the 34-year-old, who is currently the Commanding Officer of CNB’s Enforcement ‘G’ Division. Prior to this, he was the Assistant Director (Drugs, Rehab, and Immigration Research) at MHA’s Criminal Justice and Immigration Research Directorate.
Thankfully, they managed to find the child and arrest the suspects and their accomplices. “A few months after this operation, we also arrested the biological mother of the toddler, who was found abusing drugs while pregnant with another child,” he adds.
Describing the incident as “sobering”, SUPT1 Tan says it was a stark reminder of the devastating impact drugs have on individuals and families. “I often reflect on this operation, which has become a key motivator for why I strive my best towards a drug-free Singapore.”
SUPT1 Tan became interested in the world of law enforcement when he served in the Singapore Police Force (SPF) during his full-time National Service stint. He was responsible for ensuring the safety and security of accused persons involved in criminal court proceedings. He also had a hand in assisting the SPF Prosecution Officers.
“It was an eye-opening experience for me as I was exposed to interactions with key persons in the criminal justice system — the judges, prosecutors, attorneys, investigation officers and law enforcement officers responsible for the arrests — all working hard to ensure that justice is properly meted out,” he shares.
Encouraged by the camaraderie among SPF officers, SUPT1 Tan decided to apply for a scholarship with the Home Team and joined CNB in 2016. Although he was already aware of Singapore’s strict drug policies, it was working on the frontlines — first as an investigation officer, then an enforcement officer — that opened his eyes to the realities on the ground.
“I became more exposed to the devastating impact that drugs can have on individuals, families and communities, and have a better understanding of why Singapore needs a firm stance against drugs,” he says.
While more Singaporeans are taking the issue of drugs seriously, SUPT1 Tan notes that the youth are less likely to perceive the abuse of drugs, particularly cannabis, as harmful. “Drugs are not harmless; scientific studies and real-life examples clearly show the adverse impact of drugs — including cannabis — especially on youth.”
Recalling his days as an enforcement and investigation officer, he shares how he interviewed many drug offenders and witnessed the addictive and harmful nature of drugs. “Repeat offenders who couldn’t break free from drugs had lost everything… Many wished they had never started,” he says.
As such, SUPT1 Tan believes preventive drug education is crucial, especially for impressionable youth. He also emphasises the importance of supporting ex-drug abusers in their rehabilitation journey and aiding the victims of drug abuse.
Supt1 Joey Tan (extreme right) with fellow MHA and CNB colleagues at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime HQ for the Commission on Narcotics Drugs in 2020.
Despite increasingly liberal attitudes towards drugs globally, there is high public support for Singapore’s drug-free approach. The National Council Against Drug Abuse conducted a survey in 2023, in which almost 91% expressed support for Singapore’s drug-free approach and 87% agreed that our drug laws are effective in keeping us relatively drug-free. “This is due to the success of our drug policies and enforcement efforts, which have kept our drug problem relatively under control and our streets safe,” he says.
Supt1 Tan also had a previous stint in CNB’s Policy, Planning and Research Division to expand his experience into drug policy work, where he supports the Division by reviewing and developing drug-related legislation and policies in support of Singapore’s narrative on drug-related matters on a local and international front. A stint at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as a drug researcher further enhanced his ability to formulate evidence-based drug policies suited to Singapore’s context.
Noting the spiralling drug problems in many countries due to liberal drug policies and ineffective enforcement, SUPT1 Tan highlights the significance of maintaining Singapore’s drug-free approach.
“Preventive drug education is our first line of defence in Singapore’s drug control strategy. It’s crucial to continually remind each new generation why we take a firm stance against drugs and what is needed to keep Singapore safe and secure. Initiatives like CNB’s DrugFreeSG campaign raise awareness of the dangers of drugs and encourage the community and youths to lead drug-free lives,” he says.
“I look forward to gaining further exposure to different functional areas in CNB and the Ministry of Home Affairs to deepen my understanding of our comprehensive efforts against drug abuse and to contribute as much as possible to our anti-drug cause.”
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