Two teenagers in Singapore died after allegedly consuming drugs for the first time at a private residence, according to findings revealed during a coroner’s inquiry. The case, which has drawn renewed attention to youth drug abuse in Singapore, involved an 18-year-old male and a 16-year-old female who were both found to have taken Ice, also known as methamphetamine.
The incident occurred at a three-storey house, where police officers discovered the young man unresponsive in his bedroom. Rigor mortis had already begun to set in by the time authorities arrived, indicating that he had been dead for some time. A young woman was later found unconscious in another room and was rushed to hospital, where she subsequently died on the same day.
Due to a gag order imposed by the court, specific identifying details such as names and addresses cannot be disclosed. However, Chinese-language media reported that the individuals were aged 18 and 16 respectively, both below or just at the threshold of adulthood.
What Officers Discovered At The Scene
Investigators found white powdery substances, green capsules and vaping devices inside the young man’s bedroom. He also had visible blunt injuries to his head and face, which initially raised questions about possible foul play. However, police later clarified that they do not suspect any criminal violence was involved.
In another bedroom, officers came across the unconscious girl along with a third individual. There have been no further details released regarding who discovered them or the identity and condition of the third person found at the scene.
Despite being in the same house, preliminary investigations revealed that the two teenagers did not appear to share mutual friends. Police were also unable to confirm whether they had known each other prior to the day of the incident, suggesting the meeting may have been arranged shortly beforehand.
Drug Use Traced Through Phone Messages
Text messages retrieved from the young man’s mobile phone provided further insight into the events leading up to the tragedy. Investigators found messages indicating that he had obtained an unknown quantity of Ice and had plans to sell it. He later invited the girl to his home, where the pair discussed how to consume the drug.
The messages reportedly showed both teenagers admitting that they had never taken drugs before. The young man arranged for a private-hire vehicle to fetch the girl and bring her to his residence, where they eventually consumed the substances together.
Autopsy Findings And Cause Of Death
Post-mortem examinations confirmed the presence of amphetamines and Ice in the young man’s body, with the quantity detected deemed fatal. Police explained that the blunt injuries found on him were consistent with known side effects of methamphetamine use, which can cause extreme agitation, erratic behaviour and uncontrolled movements during intense euphoric episodes.
These effects could explain how the injuries were sustained without the involvement of another person. At the time of the incident, the young man’s brothers were reportedly in rooms on the third floor, while a domestic helper was on the ground floor. None of them noticed the girl entering the house that day.
The girl’s autopsy also revealed the presence of Ice and ketamine. However, the report did not clearly state whether the amount found was sufficient to directly cause her death. As a result, the coroner has directed investigators to seek further clarification before making a final determination.
Growing Concerns Over Youth Drug Abuse In Singapore
Authorities have repeatedly warned that while Singapore’s overall drug situation remains largely under control, worrying trends are emerging among younger users. According to the Central Narcotics Bureau’s latest annual report, arrests of first-time drug offenders under the age of 20 increased by 38 per cent.
Methamphetamine remains the most commonly abused drug locally, followed by heroin and cannabis. More than half of new cannabis-related arrests involved individuals under 30, pointing to a growing acceptance of drug use among younger demographics.
The case serves as a sobering reminder of the severe and often fatal risks associated with illegal drug consumption, particularly for inexperienced users. Investigations are ongoing, and no date has yet been set for the coroner’s final findings.