In 2024, Singapore’s drug situation remains generally under control, yet the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) has raised alarm over a significant rise in youth drug abuse. Statistics reveal that the number of new drug abusers aged below 20 has increased by 30% compared to 2023, highlighting troubling trends among younger Singaporeans.
Growing Concerns for Youth
According to CNB’s latest report, the number of new drug offenders arrested totalled 966, with over half (52%) under the age of 30. Alarmingly, the youngest individual arrested for drug abuse this year was just 13 years old, which starkly contrasts the average onset age of drug abuse, pegged at 16 years based on a 2022 survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health.
Types of Substances Abused
- Methamphetamine: 720 new abusers, a 20% increase from 2023.
- Cannabis: 61% of cannabis arrests were new offenders. Many of these new abusers, unsurprisingly, are below 30 years old.
- Heroin: Arrests for this substance saw a decline, with seizures dropping by 21% this year.
Leon Chan, Acting Director of CNB, mentioned the implication of younger people getting involved with drugs, stating that this indicates a growing trend of “permissiveness towards cannabis among our youths.”
Drug Syndicates Targeting Youth
In response to the situation, CNB dismantled 25 drug syndicates in 2024, some of which operated via messaging apps like Telegram to specifically reach young audiences. The estimated market value of seized drugs amounts to about S$13.5 million (approximately US$10 million).
The Role of Parents and Community
Chan urges parents to take a proactive stance against misinformation about drugs, engaging their children in open dialogues about the risks associated with drug abuse. He stressed that the consequences of drug abuse extend far beyond the individuals to impact families and the broader community.
In a society where drug-related crimes can ripple through communities, it’s pivotal that both parents and the community collectively work to mitigate the risks surrounding drug abuse.