CNB maintains intensive enforcement efforts in the first half of 2013 : Increase in drug abusers arrested and drugs seized

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) continues to intensify enforcement efforts in the fight against drugs. The number of drug abusers arrested increased by 9%, from 1,731 in the first half of 2012 to 1,893 in the same period in 2013.

Heroin and methamphetamine continue to be the most commonly abused drugs, with 93% of all drug abusers arrested being heroin or methamphetamine abusers. Cannabis was the third most commonly abused drug, and the number of new cannabis abusers arrested increased by 42%, from 38 in the first half of 2012 to 54 in the same period in 2013.

There was also an increase in drug seizures in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period last year, with the estimated street value of drug seizures in the first half of 2013 amounting to about S$9.4 million. Seizures of both heroin and methamphetamine remained high, with an estimated 36kg and 22.5kg seized respectively. Of the 22.5kg of ‘Ice’ seized, about 17.7kg or 79% was not intended for the local market.

While CNB continues with intensive enforcement operations to keep Singapore free from drugs, upstream efforts also play a pivotal role in preventing the next generation from abusing drugs. As part of preventive drug education (PDE) efforts, CNB continued its outreach to youths through a myriad of platforms including exhibitions, anti-drug school assembly talks, a PDE blog, and high-profile events such as DanceWorks!, which entered its 15th year in 2013. Building on the theme for this year’s Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign 2013 – ‘Life Does Not Rewind, Say ‘No’ To Drugs’, CNB, together with partners and key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education and the National Council Against Drug Abuse, continued to reach out to engage and educate youths and their parents on the dangers of drug abuse and its severe consequences.

The full news release can be viewed here [PDF, 1.5 MB].