Over 28 Years' Jail for Key 'Cog' in Drug Syndicate Who Laundered $1.27m

Singaporean coordinated supply of drugs into country by Malaysia-based syndicate

- Selina Lum

A 58-year-old Singaporean man who played a key role in a Malaysia-based drug syndicate was sentenced to 28 years and nine months' jail on Dec 30, in Singapore's largest money laundering prosecution for benefits from drug dealing.

Apart from coordinating the supply of drugs into Singapore, Lian Hoe Heng laundered more than $1.27 million in drug proceeds for himself and a fellow syndicate member, prosecutors told the High Court.

In sentencing, Judicial Commissioner Christopher Tan noted that Lian was a central piece of the drug enterprise who reaped a six-figure sum coordinating the syndicate's operations.

Lian had pleaded guilty to five charges - one for drug trafficking and four for money laundering. Another 18 charges, for drug-related offences and money laundering, were taken into consideration.

Lian admitted instigating another Singaporean, Tan Guosheng, to be in possession of not less than 249.99g of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

The amount specified in the charge is just below the 250g threshold for the death penalty.

Tan, 30, was a customer of the syndicate who also helped Lian collect and distribute drugs.