The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has arrested two male Singaporeans aged 22 and 23 for allegedly possessing synthetic cannabis.

This is the first arrest made for offences related to New Psychoactive Substances, after such substances were listed as Class A controlled drugs on May 1.

The two men were arrested on Friday night in a shopping centre in Tampines. CNB officers found about 71.7g of synthetic cannabis, or "K2", on them. The 22-year-old male Singaporean was suspected to have been trafficking in synthetic cannabis. CNB officers followed up with a raid of the 22-year-old suspect's home and recovered another 22.3g of synthetic cannabis. A total of about 94 grams of synthetic cannabis were seized from the arrest.

The 22-year-old suspect will be investigated for trafficking in a controlled drug. If found guilty, he could face a minimum of five years' jail and five strokes of the cane.

In a statement on Saturday, CNB warned of the dangers of such drugs, which could cause serious side effects. "CNB will continue to take strong enforcement action against abusers and traffickers of New Psychoactive Substances to keep our streets drug-free," said the statement.