Duration of supervision, penalties and rehabilitation help under new surrender regime for first-time drug abusers

Question:

Mr Yip Hon Weng: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs regarding the new surrender regime for first-time drug abusers (a) what is the duration of supervision and case management; (b) what penalties and rehabilitation apply upon relapse; and (c) whether first-time abusers reported by family members can also bypass detention in drug rehabilitation centres (DRC), so families are encouraged to seek help for their loved ones.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Under the revised surrender regime which took effect from 16 May 2026, first-time drug abusers who surrender to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) will be placed on community-based supervision and compulsory case management for a period of up to five yea rs.

2. If these abusers relapse thereafter, they will be placed on an appropriate regime, which may include institutional rehabilitation at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). At the DRC, abusers will undergo intervention programmes tailored to their rehabilitation needs, such as psychology-based interventions targeting drug use habits and family programmes that equip them with relationship skills.

3. The revised surrender regime will only apply to abusers who physically surrender at a CNB office or Police station. They must also not be wanted by the authorities, be under investigations, be on bail, serving an on-going court sentence or placed under su pervision under any prevailing laws. Family members who wish for a loved one to receive treatment and rehabilitation under the revised surrender regime should encourage the abuser to voluntarily present himself or herself to CNB.