Five women were arrested at Singapore’s Changi Airport after nearly 27 kilograms of cocaine was allegedly discovered hidden in their luggage during a transit stop and now may face the death penalty.

Five Women Face Capital Charges In Singapore After Nearly 27kg Of Cocaine Found In Luggage

On July 29, 2025, officers from Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), working with Hong Kong counterparts, intercepted five foreign women aged between 21 and 48 in the transit zone of Changi Airport’s Terminal 4. Authorities recovered approximately 26.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside stuffed toys, along with 10 g of cannabis.

Each woman has been charged under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act. Trafficking more than 30 grams of cocaine carries a mandatory death penalty. In this case, the reported total was 26.856 grams, making the imposition of the death penalty discretionary. The authorities have stated they will pursue capital charges if found guilty.

The suspects include Chung Ka Yiu, 21, a Hong Kong national, and four Kenyan nationals: Faith Awino Ouma, 27; Genetrix Atsieno Juma, 27; Joyce Njeri Mburu, 30 and Margaret Kawira Mungai, 32.

Transit Isn’t A Free Pass

Singapore is one of several countries in Asia that imposes capital punishment for drug trafficking. The country’s approach is not symbolic. It has executed both locals and foreigners found guilty of drug crimes, most recently a Singaporean man and a Malaysian woman convicted of smuggling cannabis and heroin, respectively.

Warnings are clearly posted on all immigration forms and airline boarding announcements for flights into Singapore. “Death for drug traffickers under Singapore law” is not a suggestion. It is a legal reality.

What Travelers Should Know

• Singapore enforces some of the world’s strictest drug trafficking laws. Even seemingly minor drug offenses can carry capital sentences.
• Transit passengers should never assume their luggage is safe from inspection. CNB operates surveillance and checks across all terminals, including transit zones.
• Because the women exchanged suitcases before customs checks, authorities considered it suspicious behavior. Intelligence-sharing between enforcement agencies aided the arrest.

CONCLUSION

Nearly 27 kilograms of cocaine is no small sum and Singapore simply doesn’t tolerate ambiguity when it comes to drug trafficking. Travelers must stay vigilant, aware that strict drug enforcement, even in transit, is very real. Be mindful of your luggage, your behavior, and most of all, know the law before you fly.

Let this be a reminder that when traveling abroad, ignorance is not a defense. Know the laws, and be extremely cautious—especially when entering countries with zero-tolerance policies.

image: CNB // hat tip: SINJim