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Keeping Singapore Drug-Free

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is committed to achieving a drug-free Singapore. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is the primary drug enforcement agency in Singapore.


What We Do

Singapore’s drug-control strategy is targetted at reducing both drug supply and demand. We adopt a comprehensive harm prevention strategy, comprising:

  • Preventive Drug Education (PDE)– Through PDE, CNB educates the community on the harms of drugs and strengthen the resilience of youths to stay drug-free.
  • Local and International Engagement– CNB works actively with the local community to garner strong societal support to create a Singapore without drugs. CNB also works with like-minded international partners to uphold the international space for a zero-tolerance approach against drugs.
  • Firm Laws and Rigorous Enforcement – CNB prevents the proliferation of drugs through intelligence, operations and investigations, guided by robust laws and policies. CNB collaborates with Home Team, local and international partners to stem the flow of drugs into and within Singapore.
  • Structured Rehabilitation and Aftercare Programmes – Singapore’s regime weans drug abusers off addiction and prepares them for life outside the Drug Rehabilitation Centres (DRCs) and prisons. Ex-abusers who are released are supervised by CNB to facilitate their re-integration into society through a coordinated aftercare network.

 

Legislation

The Misuse of Drugs Act is the main legislation for drug offences. It provides for the enforcement powers of CNB and the penalties for various drug offences, including trafficking, manufacturing, importation or exportation, possession and consumption of controlled drugs.

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act was passed by Parliament on 15 January 2019 to enhance the anti-drug framework and enforcement powers as well as strengthen the drug rehabilitation regime.

The Intoxicating Substances Act (INSA) provides the legal framework for inhalant offences, such as inhaling or using, supplying or offering to supply intoxicating substances. It also provides for the enforcement powers of CNB and the power to commit an inhalant abuser for treatment and rehabilitation.

Resources

Strong Support for Singapore’s Anti-Drug Policies
A 2018 survey was conducted on Singapore’s Anti-Drug policies and it was found that there was a strong support for Singapore’s anti-drug policies and tough stance against drugs. In addition, the public supports the mandatory rehabilitation of drug abusers and not legalising cannabis. 

Download infographic (PDF, 857KB)

 

Factors Influencing Drug Trafficking Behaviour
Drug traffickers are less likely to traffic drugs and reduce the amount of drugs trafficked if they are aware of the penalties involved.

Download infographic (PDF, 298KB)

 

NoonTalk Media

Based on the game of werewolf, celebrities from NoonTalk find out who the drug trafficker, undercover, counsellor and citizens are. (Released from May to July 2022)

 

 

Sujimy (Screenbox)

A video series on preventive drug education, rehabilitation and community support. In the first video, find out how CNB and the Home Team worked together at Tuas Checkpoint to eradicate drugs. (Released on 23 June 2022)

 

 

Mothership Hits the Streets

In this video, Mothership interviewed several people to find out more about public sentiments towards the death penalty being the maximum punishment for drug traffickers. (Released on 21 July 2022)

 

 

The Daily Ketchup Podcast (Featuring Minister K. Shanmugam)

In this podcast, the hosts from The Daily Ketchup had a chat with Minister Shanmugam aboutjudicial executions and the need for the death penalty in Singapore. (Released on 22 September 2022)

 

 

King Kong Media Productions (Featuring Noah Yap)

In this video, Noah Yap (key cast from popular local movie, Ah Boys to Men) recounted his personal experience as a former drug abuser, which resulted in him serving time in SAF’s Detention Barracks, as well as the effect of his drug abuse on his family and friends.

 

 

Home Team News articles

 

 

Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill will introduce a new legislative framework for psychoactive substances, and increase the punishment for possession of large quantities of more dangerous and harmful controlled drugs.

Download Infographic (PDF, 92KB)

Drug Abusers are More Likely to Engage in Crime
Studies have shown a link between drug abuse and the tendency to engage in criminal behaviour and crime.

Download infographic (PDF, 350KB) 

 

Drug Abuse is Harmful and Imposes Significant Burden to Society
Drug abuse exacts a heavy price on abusers, their families and society. The cost of drug-involved crime and drug-attributable crime has increased over the years. As a result, livelihoods are lost, relationships are destroyed, and the wider community suffers at the expense of drugs.

Download infographic (PDF, 724KB) 

 

Harm Prevention is More Effective to Manage the Drug Problem
Singapore adopts a harm prevention approach as it is more effective in reducing the harm caused by drug abuse. It is our first line of defence in promoting a drug-free culture. Countries that adopted harm reduction approach overseas have faced negative unintended consequences and drug-related deaths.

Download infographic (PDF, 1.3MB)

 

Millennials of Singapore

In this video, former drug abuser, Mason Lim, shared the impact of his drug abuse journey on his family. This video also featured an interview of social media influencer Annette Lee, with a CNB officer, on the drug situation in Singapore. (Released on 1 December 2022)


Pharmaceutical Products Containing Cannabinoids
Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance against illicit drugs, including cannabis. Cannabis, commonly known as weed or marijuana - is harmful psychologically, mentally and physically. The International Narcotics Control Board has cautioned against the risks of pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids, and Singapore is concerned on the adverse short-term and long-term effects on public health.

Download infographic (PDF, 1.5MB)

 

Cannabis is Addictive and Harmful
There are many short- and long-term impacts associated with cannabis. Evidence has shown that cannabis is harmful, addictive and can destroy lives, families and communities. Singapore’s drug control policies are underpinned by evidence and research. To date, there has been no scientific evidence on safety and efficacy of raw cannabis for medical purposes.

Download infographic (PDF, 1.4MB) 

 


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