SINGAPORE  - Singapore police said they arrested two Africans with 20.6 kg (45.4 lb) of cannabis -- the largest drugs haul in several years in the country where those caught trafficking over 500 grams face a mandatory death penalty. Singapore's Central Narcotics Bureau said that a Ghanaian man and a Zambian woman are being investigated for drug trafficking after they were caught on Monday with cannabis with a street value of about S$410,000.

 

 

 

 

"If convicted, both will face the death penalty," a Bureau official said on Wednesday, adding that the drugs bust was Singapore's largest since 2001 when 35 kg (77.16 lb) of heroin was seized.

Singapore enforces strict anti-drug laws and anyone found guilty of trafficking more than 500 grams (17.64 ounces) of cannabis faces death by hanging. Human rights groups have criticised the death penalty as inhumane, but the government says this is needed to prevent widespread drug abuse.

Two African drug smugglers were hanged in the city-state in January despite international appeals for clemency.

The Ghanaian man was arrested after officials, acting on a tip-off, trailed him leaving a budget hotel with a black luggage bag that held 14 kg (30.86 lb) of cannabis slabs.

The cannabis was wrapped in newspaper and masking tape and hidden under clothing, according to the Bureau Web site.

The woman was arrested from the hotel.

 

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