Three teenage girls, aged 13 and 14, have been arrested in Singapore for their involvement in drug abuse.
According to Zaobao, a 14-year-old female student was caught using methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice” at her home. Following an in-depth investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), two 13-year-old girls who were found to have also used drugs with her were apprehended.
Reportedly, the three girls, all students, admitted to their drug abuse activities.
On the morning of 6th February, CNB officers conducted a raid at the 14-year-old girl’s residence, where they arrested her and discovered a stained packet in her room.
Preliminary investigations revealed that she had been abusing drugs since the age of 13, with her last instance of drug use occurring approximately a week before her arrest. At that time, she was accompanied by two 13-year-old girls.
After confirming the identities of her two friends, CNB officers proceeded to arrest them at their respective residences. The investigation revealed that these girls had visited the 14-year-old’s home on several occasions to engage in drug abuse.
One of the 13-year-old girls, out of curiosity, decided to join the others after witnessing their drug use.
This case further corroborates a key finding from the Institute of Mental Health’s 2022 Health and Lifestyle Survey, specifically that the mean age of onset of drug abuse was 15.9 years of age, while 41.8% of those who abused drugs started before the age of 18.
The survey also found that residences – one’s own home or a friend’s home – were the most commonly cited locations for drug consumption and that ‘curiosity’ was one of the more often cited reasons for drug abuse.
Assistant Commissioner Sng Chern Hong, Deputy Director CNB (Policy & Administration), emphasized the collective effort required to combat drug abuse, stating that it cannot be solely shouldered by law enforcement agencies. Parents, family members, and schools all have a role to play in the fight against drugs.
He highlighted the importance of parents discussing drug-related issues with their children to develop resistance against substance abuse. He also urged parents to regularly remind their children not to succumb to peer pressure or try drugs, as they can lead to severe consequences.
The investigation into the involvement of the three teenage girls is currently ongoing.
