A Singaporean man, Tan Xianglong, 37, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for a shocking attempt to frame his estranged wife. Tan planted what he believed to be over half a kilogram of marijuana in his wife’s car, hoping to trigger Singapore’s strict drug trafficking laws, which carry the death penalty. He gambled on the fact that Singapore has some of the world’s toughest drug laws, and the country has executed 11 individuals in the past two years for cannabis smuggling.
Tan purchased the suspected cannabis from a Telegram chat group, highlighting the accessibility of illegal substances through online platforms. His plan, however, was thwarted by a crucial detail: his wife’s car was equipped with a camera system. This system alerted her to a “parking impact”, prompting her to review the footage, which captured Tan lingering near the car. Suspicious of his actions, she immediately contacted the police, accusing him of harassment.
The police investigation uncovered the planted marijuana, leading to the wife’s initial arrest. However, when no evidence was found against her, the focus shifted to Tan, ultimately leading to his arrest.
During the trial, Tan’s defense attorney argued that he was suffering from depression when he plotted to frame his wife. Court documents revealed his intention was to intimidate and entangle her in legal trouble, potentially making it easier for him to secure a divorce. This was motivated by Singaporean law, which requires couples to be married for at least three years before filing for divorce; Tan and his wife had only been separated for two years.
The case highlights the dangerous consequences of domestic disputes and the potential for manipulation and abuse. While Tan’s plan ultimately backfired, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drug offenses and the lengths some individuals will go to in an attempt to harm their partners.
