More than two-thirds of new drug abusers arrested in the first half of 2015 were below 30 years old

Methamphetamine is the most commonly abused drug, followed by heroin

Executive Summary

The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) arrested 1,717 drug abusers[1] in the first half of 2015. This is an increase of 10% from the 1,560 drug abusers arrested in the first half of 2014. About 37% (629) of all drug abusers arrested were new abusers. Among the new abusers, 71% (446) were below 30 years old. This is a slight increase from the corresponding period a year ago, when new abusers below 30 years of age made up 69% (338) of new abusers arrested.  

Methamphetamine and heroin continued to be the two most commonly abused drugs, with such abusers making up over 93% (1,595) of all drug abusers arrested. Methamphetamine abusers made up slightly more than half (53% or 915) of all abusers arrested, followed by heroin (40% or 680). The number of cannabis abusers grew by 20% from the first half of 2014 (from 83 to 100).  Among the new abusers, methamphetamine abusers made up the largest group at 76% (475), followed by cannabis (13% or 81) and heroin (9% or 59) abusers.

Seizures of cannabis, ‘Ecstasy’, ketamine and nimetazepam increased, while seizures of heroin and ‘Ice’ (crystalline methamphetamine) decreased in the first half of 2015, compared to the same period last year.  Notably, cannabis seizures increased by 174%, from 8.81kg to 24.12kg.

CNB will remain vigilant and monitor the drug situation closely.  We will continue to maintain close co-operation with our regional counterparts to stem the inflow of drugs into Singapore. In line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Youths and Drugs released in June this year, CNB will also enhance its Preventive Drug Education (PDE) efforts to spread anti-drug messages and engage youths, especially at the post-secondary level, in the fight against drugs. CNB will also work closely with our partners and key stakeholders to reach out to the general public. 

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[1] Figures for the first half of 2015 are provisional and subject to confirmation