Interview with our Narcotics Officer Eddy
Author: -
Publish Date: 14-Jan-2008
Meet Eddy, a Programmes Officer with the Preventive Education Unit (PEU), Central Narcotics Bureau, who reaches out to impressionable young people in his line of work, sharing with them the adverse consequences of abusing drugs through anti-drug talks and exchange sessions at schools.
In his 23 years with the Bureau, his experience cuts across diverse portfolios in Supervision, Entry Points and Financial investigation. Eddy was given the Ministry of Home Affairs Star Service Award in 2006 for his service excellence.
How long have you been with PEU? What draws you to your work?
I joined this unit in 2004, after various stints in the enforcement side of the Bureau. It was a refreshing change of perspective, switching from enforcement work to my current portfolio in public education, where I can draw from my fatherhood experience in relating to students during my work.
Share with us the most interesting aspect of your job.
I really enjoy interacting with young people, answering their questions, sharing stories, especially with those who show an interest in anti-drug matters.
What makes your talks special?
I will share anecdotes from my field experience in enforcement, when telling young people about the reality of drug abuse, to make my talks more interesting and lively. Of course, humour helps too, yet still keeping in mind that my message to them is a serious one.
What do you think makes you good at what you are doing?
A genuine interest in telling our young people not to do drugs; and perhaps also, an ability to connect with them, since I have three kids on my own.
How does your family feel about your job?
My wife and kids are supportive of my work. I even share the presentation slides I do up for my talks at schools with them and they will tell me what they think of the content.
When you see young people abusing drugs, how do you feel as a parent yourself?
I feel really sad for these kids, as the consequences of drug abuse are very severe; they go behind bars or die from it; and their whole life is gone just like that. It is a pity to see young lives ruined because they have yet to experience all that life can offer them.
What have you learnt from fatherhood that you are applying to your work now?
To have an open mind when interacting with the young, even if it means lowering one's ego to be on par with these kids; and to speak their language.
What have you learnt from your job that can also improve your family life?
That constant communication with my wife and children is important, that no subject is too taboo for discussion, so that my kids can talk to me openly about everything in their lives, even more intimate topics like boy-girl relationships.
What's the best thing about your job?
This is going to sound so cliched but the best thing is - I'm educating the young.