Photo: Central Narcotics Bureau
First Director of CNB
– John Hanam
– John Hanam
When the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) was established in 1971,
John Hanam was seconded from the Customs & Excise Department to lead
the newly established agency.
He had to set up the Bureau from scratch, training officers and setting up the administrative system and internal procedures. Then, the Bureau was staffed by only 20 field officers who had to do everything themselves – from stakeouts to raiding opium dens.
He had to set up the Bureau from scratch, training officers and setting up the administrative system and internal procedures. Then, the Bureau was staffed by only 20 field officers who had to do everything themselves – from stakeouts to raiding opium dens.
At CNB, Hanam had a reputation for being a fearless man who could
stare down gangsters with his stern look. At the same time, he was
known to have a deep concern for young drug addicts, whom he would
counsel.
In 1978, he returned to the Customs & Excise department where he eventually became its Director-General.
In 1978, he returned to the Customs & Excise department where he eventually became its Director-General.