Daring Drone Drug Smuggling Operation Exposed

In a headline-grabbing case, a 34-year-old Singaporean man has been convicted for his role in a brazen plot to smuggle methamphetamine using a drone. Helmie Shahrezza Shahrom was found guilty of conspiracy following a trial on September 4, stemming from a dramatic incident at Kranji Reservoir Park during the pandemic in 2020.

A Drone, A Drug Pouch, and a Reckless Plan

Court proceedings revealed that Helmie directed his accomplice, Mohamad Shahrezza Mohammad Zuhri, to pilot a drone from Singapore to Johor, Malaysia, where it picked up a pouch of the illicit substance. What he didn't anticipate was how quickly the authorities would swoop in.

DPP Jotham Tay disclosed that the drone was spotted by Singapore police flying over the park around 6 PM on June 17, 2020. Helmie and Zuhri were apprehended at the scene, and a lookout, Mohamad Hasri Ab Rahim, was arrested shortly after.

Caught in the Act: The Arrest and the Evidence

As the drone descended, Hasri alerted Helmie to the imminent arrival of police. In a panic, Helmie discarded the pouch into nearby bushes just moments before officers arrived. DPP Tay emphasized, "The evidence is clear—Helmie knowingly orchestrated this drug importation scheme and actively coordinated the operation."

A Network of Criminals: The Operation's Background

The court learned that as COVID-19 restrictions tightened, Hasri turned to Helmie for assistance in sourcing narcotics. Reports indicate that Helmie had enlisted the drone operator to conduct these illegal 'operations' multiple times a week during the lockdown period.

On that fateful June day, Hasri had specifically requested 125 grams of methamphetamine, known colloquially as 'Ice.' Helmie then provided information to a fourth accomplice, Mohammad Nazri Jumat, who was in Malaysia, enabling the drugs to be attached to the drone.

The Inevitable Closure: Police Make Their Move

When the drone landed back in Singapore, police discovered more than 180 grams of crystalline methamphetamine concealed in the pouch. Helmie, represented by lawyer Diana Foo, attempted to distance himself from the drone's cargo, claiming he had planned to receive 'Ice' via boat in a separate operation.

What’s Next for the Drug Smuggler?

Despite his claims of ignorance regarding the drone's cargo, Helmie's fate now rests in the hands of the court, with sentencing set for a later date. This case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths people will go to in the pursuit of illegal substances—and the vigilant eyes of law enforcement that await.