An Updated Guard: Sam Tee Takes the Helm of the CNB
Who’s stepping into the spotlight?
On November 1st, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) saw a fresh face at the top. Sam Tee Chong Fui, age 52, welcomed the iconic Command Mace and will now steer Singapore’s drug enforcement ship.
What’s the farewell for?
Ng Ser Song, 60, is taking his curtain call after 35 impressive years with the Home Team. He’s out on November 6th.
Why Sam Tee? A quick rundown of his résumé.
- 27 years in the Home Team, with stints as Deputy Commander & Commander in several police divisions.
- Served as Deputy Commander of the Clementi Police Division and the Police Coast Guard.
- Named Commander of the Airport Police Division and later the Traffic Police.
- Timestamped Senior Director of the Joint Operations Group, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Appointed Director of CNB (Designate) on August 15, 2022.
Got more than just a toolbox?
Under Tee’s leadership at MHA, teams rolled out a robust framework to tackle foreign interference—think of it as Singapore’s “red‑flag” against hostile information campaigns. He also steered the secretariat that supported the Homefront Crisis Executive Group during the Covid-19 rollercoaster.
What the change means for the future
With fresh leadership, the CNB looks poised to tackle drug‑related threats with renewed vigor. Sam Tee’s blend of experience and modern strategy hints at a future where Singapore safeguards its streets and skies from the shadows of addiction.
Zero tolerance stance towards drugs
Singapore’s Drug‑Free Mission: A Tribute to a Ten‑Year Tenacity
When Ng Zhi‑hui served as the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) for more than ten years, Singapore’s zero‑tolerance stance towards drugs was not just a policy—it was a personal crusade. He saw every operation, every partnership, and every seizure as a chance to keep streets safe and families intact.
Strength Through Collaboration
- Joint raids with international allies tackled overseas syndicates that fed Singapore’s drug problem.
- Each year, the CNB dismantled in excess of 20 drug syndicates, peeling back the layers of street‑level supply chains.
- Operations were not just about numbers; they were about stopping the ripple effect that could bring addiction home to families.
April 2021: A Surge Worth Remembering
In a memorable April 2021 operation, CNB seized over 40 kg of hard drugs, including record‑breaking amounts of cannabis and heroin. The stash’s street value was pegged at over $2.3 million. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs:
“That’s enough to keep 12,000 drug abusers fed for a week,”
The figures hit home, perhaps more dramatically than any day‑to‑day statistics ever could.
Ng’s Reflections: Memories, Faith, and a Future Safeguard
When he stepped down, Ng expressed a bittersweet sense of farewell:
“I leave the CNB family with fond memories and relationships with colleagues and co‑workers that will continue forward,”
“I have absolute faith that CNB will remain a formidable force that ensures a Singapore without drugs, where everyone can live, work and play safely.”
In the wake of his departure, the synopsis of his legacy is clear: a city that believes no one should have to wrestle with anyone’s cruel “drug dragon.” The CNB’s message is loud and simple—stick to clean, stay safe, stay happy.
Takeaway
Thanks to leaders like Ng and the CNB’s relentless partnerships, Singapore has proved that a drug‑free society is not a dream—it’s a tangible, everyday reality. And that’s something you can brag about over a cup of hot coffee or a quick walk around Marina Bay.
