Prison Workshop Vendor Involved in Alleged Smuggling of Contraband

In early October 2021, the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) received information that Calvin Ang (“Calvin”), a vendor working as a supervisor in a prison workshop, had allegedly smuggled contraband Epam pills¹ into prison premises for inmates.

SPS conducted internal investigations to verify the information received, and promptly lodged a Police report. Calvin was barred from entering SPS’s premises, and the inmates who were alleged to be involved were isolated from other inmates. SPS conducted a thorough search of the workshop, inmates’ cells and common areas, and uncovered some of the contraband pills. The case was subsequently referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) for further investigation.

More information can be found on CPIB’s website.

Calvin and four inmates who were allegedly involved were charged in Court today (18 November 2022).

SPS has in place security measures to screen all personnel and goods entering prison premises. These include walk-through metal detectors, handheld metal detector screening, and random frisk searches.

SPS adopts a zero-tolerance approach towards the smuggling of items into prison premises. All such cases will be investigated, and all persons, including vendors and inmates, if found guilty, will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

Singapore Prison Service
18 November 2022

¹Epam contains nitrazepam, which is a medicine with sedative effects used in the treatment of conditions including insomnia (trouble or difficulty in sleeping) or sleeping disorders. Nitrazepam should only be used under medical supervision. The inappropriate use of nitrazepam may lead to disorientation, confusion, drowsiness and slow and ineffective breathing. Prolonged use of nitrazepa may potentially result in dependence.