Singapore is known internationally not just for its chewing gum ban, but also for its extremely tough drug laws, among the strictest globally. Unlike countries like Belgium or some U.S. states where drug policies are more lenient (e.g., marijuana being partially legal), Singapore strictly bans substances such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (“ice”), ketamine, and ecstasy—categorized as “controlled drugs” under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
1. Drug Possession
Possession of controlled drugs is a criminal offence (Section 8(a) of the MDA). Penalties include:
- Up to 10 years’ jail, a $20,000 fine, or both.
- From 1 June 2023, harsher penalties apply for possession of specific drugs above certain amounts (e.g., cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine).
- Possessing over 500g of cannabis can result in 30 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
- Possessing over 500g of cannabis can result in 30 years’ imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane.
Presumptions of Possession:
If drugs are found in your home, even if they belong to someone else, the law presumes they are yours unless you can prove otherwise.
2. Drug Consumption
Under Section 8(b), consuming controlled or specified drugs is illegal, carrying:
- Up to 10 years’ jail and/or $20,000 fine.
Repeat Offenders face:
- At least 3 years’ jail for controlled drugs.
- For specified drugs (a subset of controlled drugs), second-time offenders may face 5–7 years’ jail and 3–6 strokes of the cane.
Testing & Presumptions:
- Police can require urine and hair samples for drug testing.
- Refusing a urine test: Up to 10 years’ jail or $20,000 fine.
- Refusing a hair test: Up to 2 years’ jail or $5,000 fine.
- If drugs are found in your urine, you’re presumed to have consumed them unless proven otherwise—claims of ignorance (e.g., not knowing it was ecstasy) are not valid defences.
Possession of Drug-Use Equipment:
Owning items like syringes or pipes can lead to up to 3 years’ jail or a $10,000 fine.
Overseas Drug Use:
Singaporeans and PRs can be prosecuted under Singapore law if they consume drugs abroad. Random drug tests are conducted at entry points like airports.
3. Drug Trafficking
Trafficking includes selling, transporting, or even offering to move drugs—this includes doing so on someone else’s behalf, even if they’re overseas.
Presumptions of Trafficking: If drug quantity exceeds specific limits, it’s presumed you intended to traffic.
Penalties:
- Ranges from jail and caning to the mandatory death penalty, depending on the drug type and quantity.
- E.g., Trafficking more than 250g of meth (“ice”) results in a mandatory death sentence.
Avoiding the Death Penalty: Traffickers may be spared if they can prove they were mere couriers and either:
- Provided significant assistance to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), or
- Had a mental condition impairing their responsibility.
Even then, the punishment could still be life imprisonment with caning.
Rehabilitation for Drug Addicts
Suspected addicts may be tested and ordered to undergo treatment at a Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for 6 months (extendable to 3 years). This applies for first- and second-time drug consumers instead of jail time.
Repeat offenders will face court and long-term imprisonment. As of June 2023, addicts can be required to take urine tests at any point in their life.
Youths (16–20) may be sent to a Community Rehabilitation Centre (CRC).
Proposed legal amendments also include detaining third-time or high-risk repeat users in DRCs (instead of prison), for up to 4 years—only if they haven’t committed other crimes.