SINGAPORE – An internal investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is under way following the death of a 17-year-old boy after he was arrested by its officers.

Justin Lee, who had been charged with drug trafficking on June 24, died on Sept 16 from a fall from height.

His mother, Ms Cecilia Ow, 51, on Tuesday (Oct 12) posted a letter addressed to Minister for Law and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam on her Instagram page, describing her son’s experience of being arrested and his history with depression.

The CNB said on its Facebook on Wednesday: “Some statements have been made publicly about how Justin was arrested and questioned. CNB has been investigating the circumstances of his arrest.”

The bureau added that the investigations are expected to be completed before the end of the month, and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will make the findings public.

“The allegations are being fully investigated,” it said, adding that MHA will also take further steps if necessary.

CNB said it arrested Justin after it conducted investigations into a person who was suspected of trafficking a Class A controlled drug online. Drugs in this category include heroin and LSD.

Outlining some of the details of her son’s arrest on Feb 3, Ms Ow, a senior lecturer at a polytechnic, told The Straits Times on Wednesday that she was not able to speak to her son, even while officers searched his room with him at their home in Hougang.

She spoke to him only when she bailed him out on Feb 4 night.

In her letter to Mr Shanmugam on Oct 1, she referenced the case of Benjamin Lim, 14, whose death was ruled a suicide after he was found dead at the foot of his block in Yishun in January 2016.

He had been questioned at Ang Mo Kio police division hours earlier for the alleged molestation of an 11-year-old girl in a lift.

Ms Ow told ST: “Things really need to change.”

She called for a separate unit within the police force with training in handling young people with mental health issues to be formed to deal with offenders under the age of 18.

“I hope the Government reflects on this and puts in sincere effort to overhaul this system. I’ve given them a suggestion but I’m sure there are other ways of doing this better,” she said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU6p-HUhZFk/

A post shared by Cecilia Ow (@justelliot22)

The CNB said on Wednesday that senior officials have been speaking to Ms Ow since Sept 20, when they heard of her son’s death, and last met her on Oct 8.

“CNB assured her that there would be full investigations and provided her with the timeframe required for the investigations. She was also told that the findings will be shared with her,” said the bureau in its post.

It added that Mr Shanmugam contacted Ms Ow the same day she sent her letter to assure her that a thorough review into her son’s arrest and investigations will be conducted.

She was also given the contact details of Mr Shanmugam and Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, and told that she could contact the ministers at any time, said CNB.

It added that it arranged for psychological support to be provided to her.

“CNB understands Justin’s mother’s grief and will continue to render assistance to her,” said the bureau.

More on this topic

Helplines

• National Care Hotline:
1800-202-6868 (8am – 12am)

Mental well-being

• Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline:
6389-2222 (24 hours)

• Samaritans of Singapore:
1800-221-4444 (24 hours) /1-767 (24 hours)

• Singapore Association for Mental Health:
1800-283-7019

• Silver Ribbon Singapore:
6386-1928

• Tinkle Friend:
1800-274-4788 and www.tinklefriend.sg

• Community Health Assessment Team:
6493-6500/1 and www.chat.mentalhealth.sg

Counselling

• TOUCHline (Counselling):
1800-377-2252

• TOUCH Care Line (for seniors, caregivers):
6804-6555

• Care Corner Counselling Centre:
1800-353-5800

Online resources

• mindline.sg

• My Mental Health

• Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service

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