A man has been charged with organising a gathering for drug use after admitting to consuming drugs with former activist lawyer M. Ravi hours before Ravi’s death.
Shawn Loo Zhi Jian, 40, faces one count under the Misuse of Drugs Act for arranging a gathering at an apartment on Upper Boon Keng Road between 1am and 5am on December 24, knowing that methamphetamine, a Class A controlled drug, would be used. In Singapore, the offence carries a jail term of three to 20 years and 10 strokes of the cane.
Loo appeared via video link from remand, with his lawyer requesting an adjournment to take instructions. Prosecutors noted that additional charges may be filed pending results from the Health Sciences Authority and closed-circuit footage.
According to authorities, Loo and Ravi, 56, had known each other since 2023 after meeting through a social networking app. Loo admitted that they met at his apartment to use drugs allegedly supplied by both and engage in other activities. He claimed Ravi became unresponsive after taking the drugs, prompting him to perform CPR before calling emergency services. Ravi was later pronounced dead at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Investigations suggest Loo may have disposed of some drugs before police arrived. CNB seized drug-related items from the apartment, and Loo’s urine tested positive for controlled substances in an initial test. Further samples were sent to HSA for confirmation.
Authorities are continuing investigations, and findings will be submitted to the State Coroner, who will determine if an inquiry is needed. Loo was offered S$20,000 (RM62,983) bail and is scheduled to return to court on January 2.
