New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

Relevant information on listed NPS and unlisted NPS.

Also known as

• New Psychoactive Substances, NPS, designer drugs, legal highs, herbal highs, bath salts, BZP, TFMPP, Mephedrone

Description

• Under Singapore’s Misuse of Drugs Act (‘MDA’), NPS are dealt with as controlled drugs if they are listed (known as “listed NPS”) and as psychoactive substances if they are not listed but have the capacity to produce a psychoactive effect (known as “unlisted NPS”).

• For listed NPS, the main categories under the MDA are synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, lysergide analogues, fentanyl analogues, and tryptamine.

• These substances produce psychoactive effects on an individual’s central nervous system through stimulation or depression, affecting his or her mental functioning or emotional state.

• These substances mimic the effects of other controlled drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, Ecstasy, methamphetamine or heroin.

• The potency, pharmacological profile, and toxicological effects of many NPS remain unknown, increasing the risk of severe adverse reactions.

Effects and dangers

• Seizures

• Agitation

• Aggression

• Acute psychosis

Penalties

Trafficking of:

• listed NPS

  • Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane

•  unlisted NPS

  • Minimum of 2 years of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of $4,000, up to a maximum fine of $10,000

Import or export of:

• listed NPS

  • Minimum of 5 years of imprisonment and 5 strokes of the cane, up to a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for life and 15 strokes of the cane

• unlisted NPS

  • Minimum of 3 years of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment and a minimum fine of $6,000, up to a maximum fine of $20,000

Possession of:

• listed NPS

  • Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of $20,000 or both

•  unlisted NPS

  • Maximum of 10 years of imprisonment or a maximum fine of $20,000 or both

 Consumption of:

• listed NPS

  • Minimum of 1 year of imprisonment, up to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, with a maximum fine of $20,000