KEEPING SINGAPORE DRUG-FREE

Transcription

1 KEEPING SINGAPORE DRUG-FREE

2 DRUGS IN SINGAPORE: THE BIG PICTURE PREFACE In Singapore, we work hard to keep our country drug-free so that our children can grow up safe from drugs. We do not tolerate drugs. Drug consumption is harmful and addictive. It destroys lives, families and communities. For these reasons, we reject drug abuse. THE DANGERS WE FACE Singapore is a small and densely populated city-state in Southeast Asia. We are situated near the Golden Triangle, one of the world s largest drug production areas. This means that Singapore could easily become a transit centre or import market for drugs. Singaporeans appreciate the protection that this approach offers our children and youth. Singapore Every country faces different challenges when it comes to drugs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. This is because each country has its unique set of circumstances amidst different historical, social and cultural contexts. Singapore has developed its own approach to tackle its drug situation. Specifically, Singapore focuses on harm prevention, and not on harm reduction. We work closely with schools and families to spread anti-drug messages. We rehabilitate drug abusers and act firmly to deter repeat abusers. We harness the community s support to reintegrate ex-abusers into society. We respect the sovereign right and responsibility of every country to adopt its own approach in tackling the drug problem in its society. This booklet shares Singapore s approach to keeping our country drug-free. DID YOU KNOW The amount of opium grown in Southeast Asia has nearly tripled since Seizures of methamphetamine pills and crystal methamphetamine in Asia have also tripled to at least 36 tonnes between 2009 and In 2014, Singapore confiscated S$8.17 million worth of drugs. 01

3 WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO GROW UP IN A SAFE, DRUG-FREE ENVIRONMENT We do all we can to stop drug trafficking and drug abuse. Our tough drug laws and effective enforcement save lives, keep our streets largely free from drugs and crime, and deter organised drug syndicates from operating in Singapore. FAST FACTS HOW WE SAY NO TO DRUGS We adopt a zero-tolerance stance against drugs. Drug abuse is a scourge. If left on its own, it infects the community like a disease. One life lost to drugs, is one life too many. The anti-drug ribbon, which is a green ribbon over a white one, represents support for the anti-drug cause. The colours of the ribbon signify Health, Vitality and Strength. The ribbon has been produced as collar pins and reproduced on other commemorative items which are distributed to the public to create awareness of the anti-drug cause. LOW DRUG USE IN SINGAPORE TODAY In 2014, 3,158 drug abusers were arrested. This is less than 0.1% of Singapore s resident population. DECREASING NUMBER OF DRUG ABUSERS ARRESTED About 6,000 yearly Then (1990s) About 3,000 yearly Today (2014) HEALTHY ANTI-DRUG ATTITUDES IN SINGAPORE 97.3% of our young people would say No if asked by friends to take drugs. (2013 Youth Perception Survey) Drug abuse harms the drug abuser, his family, his community and the society. We say NO to drugs by: N Engaging families and communities to build a network of advocates against drugs. N Running preventive drug education programmes to raise awareness about the harms and addictiveness of drug abuse. N Using tough laws and effective enforcement to tackle both drug supply and demand. N Intervening early to help young abusers overcome their addiction. N Rehabilitating and supervising abusers to reduce the likelihood of relapse. N Working closely with government and community stakeholders to enhance our anti-drug systems and structures. Targeted Prevention Towards a Drug-Free Singapore Strong Deterrence Upstream Intervention for Young Abusers Engaging Families and the Community Enhancing Systems and Structures Rehabilitation and Supervision to Reduce Relapse Rate 02 03

4 OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE: PREVENTIVE DRUG EDUCATION To prevent drug abuse, we make sure our youths have a good understanding of drug issues. We help our youths learn about the harm, addictiveness and consequences of drug abuse through: MASS OUTREACH CAMPAIGNS Æ We use a mix of social and traditional media to reach out to the public with our anti-drug messages. These include advertisements in print and online media, and anti-drug apps to raise awareness about the anti-drug cause. Æ Collaterals are also distributed to the public to reinforce anti-drug messages. ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS Æ We conduct talks to reach out to parents and teachers on ways to detect signs of drug abuse and how to obtain help. DID YOU KNOW? OUTREACH EVENTS Æ We give anti-drug talks at schools and tertiary institutions. Æ We conduct anti-drug road shows and perform anti-drug skits at tertiary institutions. INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS Æ We bring the anti-drug message to the public through interactive exhibits and via our anti-drug mobile exhibition bus. 04 We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Singapore s anti-drug abuse campaign in June 2015 in conjunction with World Drug Day. To mark this milestone, we hosted an Anti-Drug Abuse Carnival offering activities such as skateboarding, a photo exhibition on the past 20 years of the campaign and an anti-drug dance competition. We also launched an anti-drug mobile app at the event. 05

5 FIGHTING DRUGS WITH TOUGH LAWS AND EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OUR TOUGH LAWS Apart from tackling drug demand, we also take firm measures against drug traffickers. This reduces the supply of drugs entering Singapore. Drug traffickers can be subjected to the following penalties: Æ Long sentences of imprisonment with caning; or Æ Capital punishment, for those who traffic drugs above a stipulated threshold. Repeat drug abuse causes substantial harm and negative influence to both families and society. Hardcore drug abusers who do not kick the habit after repeated rehabilitation may also be subject to jail sentences. We do this to: Æ Protect society, particularly the young and vulnerable, from being influenced by hard-core drug abusers. Æ Deter abusers from continuing to abuse drugs. Æ Prevent hard-core abusers from committing crimes as a result of their addiction. REVISIONS IN THE LAW In 2012, Singapore revised the mandatory death penalty regime to give the courts more discretion Our tough laws, coupled with strong enforcement, have been an effective deterrent against drug trafficking and drug abuse. in sentencing drug traffickers under certain circumstances. First, the drug trafficker must have only played the role of a courier. Second, discretion will only apply, if having satisfied the first requirement, the trafficker has cooperated with the Central Narcotics Bureau in a substantive way or he has a mental disability which substantially impairs his appreciation of the gravity of the act. The courts will then have the discretion to sentence the trafficker to either the death penalty or life imprisonment. HOW WE ENFORCE THESE LAWS We work to stop drugs from flowing into or through Singapore by: Æ Conducting joint operations with foreign counterparts, as well as sharing intelligence and best practices to target drug syndicates. Æ Leveraging technology at our borders and checkpoints to detect the smuggling of drugs and contraband into Singapore. Æ Conducting regular operations against syndicates in Singapore. WE GET TO THE PROBLEM EARLY We tackle drug abuse early and decisively for young drug abusers. We provide interventions for abusers based on their risk profile. Low-risk young abusers are placed on the Youth Enhanced Supervision Scheme. Æ They have to report regularly for urine testing. Æ They are counselled by social service agencies to address the causes of their addiction. Moderate-risk young abusers are admitted to a Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC). Æ This residential programme provides a structured environment for rehabilitation. Æ In the day, abusers can carry on with their studies or work. Æ Abusers attend intervention and life skills programmes to address their risk of re-offending. High-risk young abusers are sent to a Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). Æ Abusers receive rehabilitation and counselling in the DRC. Æ They are subsequently emplaced on aftercare programmes, which includes counselling and supervision to help them reintegrate into society. As a youth-focused voluntary welfare organisation, Trybe works in close partnership with the Singapore Prison Service to operate and manage the Community Rehabilitation Centre or CRC. We develop close partnerships with families and the community as they are key in supporting the CRC residents in their rehabilitation goals and reintegration into society. The CRC coaches provide guidance and mentorship for these youths as they develop resilience against their drug habit and cope with adolescent-related issues like rejecting negative peer influence and developing their self-identities. It is through this Many Helping Hands approach that the youths can develop and gain clarity in the goals they want to achieve and realise their fullest potential. Mr Justin Loo Deputy Head, Community Rehabilitation Centre 06 07

6 FOLLOWING THROUGH - REHABILITATING ABUSERS When individuals or families come to us with their problems or concerns, we will assess their needs and provide counselling and case management. This means we explore all available options to address their needs and help them to overcome the challenges they are facing. If an individual is experiencing problems with drug addiction, we will journey with him towards a pro-social lifestyle and attitudes, and offer practical support towards a life without drugs. This would include counselling, case management, mentoring and organising workshops or relevant events for him to participate in. Ms Sally Choo Director of Programmes Care Community Services Society The drug rehabilitation regime in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) comprises a residential incare phase and a structured aftercare phase. We also work closely with the families of drug abusers and community partners to support these individuals and prevent them from going back to abusing drugs. In-care: Drug abusers are admitted to the DRC to receive rehabilitation. Counselling programmes are arranged based on their risks and needs. Aftercare: During the aftercare phase, they can be placed in a halfway house, work release programme or home supervision.they will continue to be supervised after they are discharged from the DRC. However, it is ultimately the individual's responsibility to stay away from drugs. From Teen Drug Abuser And Gangster To Mentor Asher Quek first got involved in drugs when he was 14 years old. At 15, he was caught and placed in a juvenile home for three years. On release, he consumed and sold drugs, and was involved in gambling, illegal moneylending and gang activities. Asher ended up in jail twice for these offences. During his second time in prison, counsellors engaged him, and inspired him to change. Today, six years after his release from jail, Asher loves his job as a car salesperson and is ready to settle down with his girlfriend. Asher is now a volunteer himself. Inspired by those who helped him, he now counsels drug abusers once a month. Asher s story demonstrates how the support of volunteers can turn lives around. 08

7 WE INVOLVE PARENTS AND THE COMMUNITY Keeping Singapore drug-free is a community effort. SUPPORTED BY PARENTS We work with parents, especially those with children at risk, by educating them on drugs and teaching them how to detect signs of drug abuse in their children. SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY In fighting drug abuse, we are supported by: Æ Government Agencies N The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development support us in our outreach and intervention programmes. DID YOU KNOW? Celebrity Support In 2015, international artiste Jackie Chan became Singapore s first celebrity anti-drug ambassador. Advocates like Mr Chan help inspire our youths to speak up and say no to drugs. Æ Voluntary Welfare Organisations N Voluntary welfare organisations offer counselling and workshops to drug abusers and their families, and befriending services through support groups. Æ Corporations and Organisations N We partner schools, entertainment outlets and other organisations to organise anti-drug campaigns and road shows. Æ Volunteers N Yellow Ribbon Community Project volunteers help families of drug offenders with housing, social assistance and education while their loved ones are in jail. UNITED AGAINST DRUGS We continually review the approach we take to fight drugs. Two national task forces were set up in 2012 and 2014 to study Singapore s drug abuse situation. Both task forces comprised stakeholders such as: Government Agencies Schools, including Institute of Technical Education, Polytechnics and Universities Community Partners Social Service Representatives These reviews help to strengthen our existing anti-drug measures, which range from prevention and deterrence, to the rehabilitation and reintegration of drug abusers. DID YOU KNOW? In its review of Singapore s drug situation in June 2015, the Task Force on Youths and Drugs said that cannabis is addictive and harmful. Its use could lead to abuse of other drugs such as heroin and methamphetamine, giving rise to poly-drug abusers. There is also no conclusive research evidence on medicinal benefits of cannabis. Our youths may be tempted to try drugs, thinking that some drugs may not be harmful or that doing drugs is cool. Drugs are definitely not cool. Join us as National Council Against Drug Abuse partners, participating clubs and restaurants to keep our local night and clubbing scene vibrant and drug-free. Mr Victor Lye, Chairman, National Council Against Drug Abuse, Clubs Against Drugs Campaign 10 11

8 A SAFE, DRUG-FREE SINGAPORE Singapore adopts a zero-tolerance stance against drugs because they cause great harm to our families, communities and society. We fight the drug problem in a multi-pronged and comprehensive manner so that our people are not destroyed by drugs, or suffer from crimes linked to drugs. We believe that each country is unique with its own history and culture. Each country has the sovereign right and responsibility to decide on the most appropriate approach to tackling its own drug problems within its borders. Our approach has worked well for us. This is clear in the strong support we receive from Singaporeans for our tough stance on drugs and in the fact that our children grow up in a safe, drug-free environment. It is important that Singapore maintains a zero-tolerance approach against drugs. Zerotolerance means that we strongly reject the scourge of drugs and do not condone its presence in our society. Zero-tolerance means that we tackle both drug supply and demand. We take a tough stance against those who wish to profit off drug addicts. But at the same time, we rehabilitate those who consume drugs, even as we take firm action against repeat abusers. Speech by Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Minister, Prime Minister s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs 6 March 2015 As a Voluntary Welfare Organisation, The Helping Hand halfway house was set up to rehabilitate ex-drug offenders, helping these individuals with a genuine desire to change for the better, reintegrate into society with renewed confidence and self-esteem. We provide ex-offenders with accommodation and rehabilitation programmes that impart pro-social values and positive work attitudes to help them lead fulfilling lives. Exoffenders also have the opportunity to be gainfully employed. Mr Chia Shih Sheung Chief Executive Officer The Helping Hand: The Helping Hand is a halfway house for the rehabilitation of former drug abusers. SANA s mission is to keep Singapore drug-free. As a non-government organisation, we team up with schools, corporations and the community, to prevent drug-abuse and help individuals and families in their rehabilitation efforts through our holistic programmes. Mrs Quek Bin Hwee President, Singapore Anti- Narcotics Association (SANA) We have been a strong advocate for the initiative since The increase in drug seizures and arrest numbers is a sign of the growing challenge we are faced with in Singapore and the region. We are fully committed to stamping out drug activities alongside the National Council Against Drug Abuse and our staff will be trained by the Council to identify drug abusers. Mr Dennis Foo, Chief Executive of St James Power Station, Clubs Against Drugs Campaign 12 13

9 Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore