On 19 October 1971, the Government of Singapore announced that a new and dedicated Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), would be set up within the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Then-Minister for Home Affairs Wong Lin Ken said, "Such activities will be coordinated in the Central Narcotics Bureau.

[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] CNB officers acting undercover have been involved in sting operations which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several drug traffickers.

The undercover officer would use considerable acting skills so as not to raise suspicion in the target, such as bargaining down the price rather than seeming too keen in accepting the first offer from the seller.

Examples of high-profile cases such as the capital punishment of drug traffickers Van Tuong Nguyen, Shanmugam Murugesu, and Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam.

[21] In 2021, a short film titled Down The Rabbit Hole was created by the CNB to remind young people of the hazards of drug abuse.

All new Narcotics Officers must undergo a period of residential training in the Home Team Academy (HTA) and pass all required tests.

Potential Inspectors undergo nine months of basic training to learn various skills such as applying knowledge of criminal laws, investigation techniques, self-defence tactics and weapons handling.

Officers are also trained and issued with expandable batons for less than lethal self-defense options, bulletproof vests and handcuffs for restrains.

[26] From there, officers have access to battering rams and electric cutters for forced entry with Heckler & Koch USP Compact pistols issued as their primary firearm.

Enforcement Sector 1 covers the geographical boundaries served by the Singapore Police Force's 'A' (Central), 'E' (Tanglin), and 'G' (Bedok) divisions, as well as Marine and Airport.