Summary
Singapore has some of the harshest drugs laws in the world. If you’re found with 15g you‘re assumed to be trafficking. With 500g or more, the death penalty is mandatory.
Singapore’s death penalty becomes mandatory in drug cases involving15g diamorphine (heroin)30g cocaine500g cannabis250g methamphetamine. The most recent execution - of a 64-year-old on a heroin charge - took place on 16 October.
A detainee will spend at least six months here - even if they’re a casual, rather than addicted, drug user. The men spend up to six hours a day in a classroom on psychology-based courses.
Historically, drugs have been viewed as a criminal justice issue, rather than a health issue in Singapore. Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam says thinking on how to treat drug users has shifted.
Urine testing cubicles are the first of their kind in the world. Authorities say the system has changed but critics say it's still inhumane.
Singapore’s zero-tolerance policy doesn’t distinguish between casual drug users and those with an addiction. State-of-the-art Urine Supervision Cubicles are the first of their kind in the world.
If you are caught using any illicit narcotic, including cannabis, you may find yourself in compulsory rehab. Penalties for trafficking include the death penalty.
