S'pore to put in more resources to stop entry of illicit drugs
By S Ramesh | Posted: 09 July 2012 1905 hrs
SINGAPORE: In its continued effort to enhance drug enforcement measures, the government will put more resources into border checks and enforcement to stop illicit drugs from entering Singapore.
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister, Teo Chee Hean, said this in Parliament on Monday.
The government will also increase penalties for repeat traffickers and introduce new offences for those who sell to vulnerable groups and organise drug parties.
Mr Teo said more measures will also be introduced to deter drug taking.
"We will introduce more intervention measures for young abusers, and improve rehabilitation and supervision for inmates released from long-term imprisonment to help them stay away from drugs.
In addition to the current urine supervision regime, there will also be compulsory aftercare and a supervision regime comprising electronic monitoring with curfew hours, counselling and casework," he said.
Mr Teo explained that rigorous and effective enforcement coupled with severe penalties have allowed Singapore to stay on top of the situation.
Within Singapore, the strategy of vigorous and swift enforcement efforts against local syndicates operating inland has suppressed them.
Mr Teo said traffickers consciously traffic amounts below the capital thresholds, which means the syndicates need to make more frequent runs using more couriers.
This has inhibited drug supply and pushed up the street price of illicit drugs in Singapore, deterring drug abuse.
Mr Teo said that this is a significant achievement, given Singapore's close proximity to source countries.
Singapore has also avoided being used as a drug transhipment point despite the excellent transport connectivity to the region, and the large number of people - about 500,000 travellers - who enter or pass through Singapore daily.
- CNA/ir
