The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has released its Singapore Drug Situation Report for the year 2023, highlighting concerning trends in drug abuse and enforcement efforts. Led by CNB’s director, Sam Tee, the report reveals a significant increase in the number of drug abusers arrested compared to the previous year.
The three most commonly abused drugs in Singapore were methamphetamine, heroin, and cannabis. Methamphetamine abusers made up the largest proportion of all new abusers, with 591 arrested in 2023, compared to 497 in 2022. Cannabis abusers also increased by 8% from 168 in 2022 to 182 in 2023.
CNB dismantled 25 drug syndicates in 2023, including those using Telegram, and seized a significant amount of drugs, with the estimated market value of the seized drugs being approximately S$15.37 million.
| “Singapore’s drug situation remains under control, but there are worrying trends. The number of drug abusers arrested in 2023 increased by 10% from 2022. Among the new abusers arrested, more than half were below 30 years old.” |
CNB intensified preventive efforts
To address the issue of drug abuse, CNB intensified its preventive drug education outreach with its partners to educate and engage different segments of the community on the harms of drugs and empower Singaporeans to stay drug-free. Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) Amendment Bill in 2023, new tiered penalties for possession of large quantities of eight controlled drugs were introduced based on the weight of the drugs. A new statutory framework for psychoactive substances will come into effect in the first half of 2024.
Out of the 3,101 drug abusers arrested in 2023, 850 were below 30 years old, which makes 27%, and 129 of them were below the age of 20. The youngest abusers arrested in 2023 were five 14-year-olds. Among the 902 new drug abusers arrested, 480, or 51%, were aged below 30, and 94 were aged below 20, compared to 83 arrested in 2022, an increase of 13%.
Moreover, the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) Amendment Bill introduced new tiered penalties for possession of large quantities of eight controlled drugs based on their weight. These drugs include morphine, diamorphine, opium, cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin, cannabis mixture, and methamphetamine. Additionally, a new statutory framework for psychoactive substances is set to come into effect in the first half of 2024.
The CNB’s efforts reflect a proactive approach to combating drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing both enforcement and prevention strategies to safeguard Singapore’s communities