In its annual report on 25 Feb, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) reported that there was an overall increase of drug abusers in 2018 as compared to 2017.
3,438 drug abusers were arrested in 2018, an 11 percent increase from 3,091 in 2017. Of which, those aged 20 to 29 continue to form the largest portion of abusers, CNB said.
Since 2017, CNB has been conducting the “Dadah itu Haram” (“Drugs are Forbidden”) campaign to address the issue of an over-representation of Malays among drug abusers.
The seven-person “Dadah itu Haram” unit has been working closely with Malay-Muslim organizations to tackle this issue.
Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) director Ng Ser Song said that education on drug prevention remains “the first line of defense against the demand for drugs” and that CNB will continue its efforts in doing so.
Mr. Ng added that “the government will continuously review their approach to ensure that it keeps pace with the evolving drug landscape.”
Additionally, CNB has worked with various community groups to boost awareness on the adverse effects of drugs and the misinformation about them, through social media campaigns and outreach programs.
Singapore takes the issue of drug abuse seriously. Offenders, who only abuse drugs without committing other offenses, will be sent to rehabilitation, to help them break the addiction and reintegrate into society.
Whereas those who promote drug usage, and perform acts of endangerment, such as exposing a child to drugs or permitting a young person to abuse drugs, will be punished severely.
Don’t do drugs, kids. Stay in school.
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