Zero Tolerance: Singapore's Draconian Approach to Drug Offenses

Under Singapore's stringent drug policies, individuals like Kim face dire consequences for cannabis use, including lengthy rehab in harsh conditions and drug trafficking charges, amidst a backdrop of a global shift toward decriminalization.

A puff on a joint - then six months of forced rehab in a concrete cell

In Singapore, Kim*, a young professional, found herself trapped in a cycle of cannabis use that started amid family troubles. While her personal life improved, her need for cannabis remained, drawing her deeper into a social circle dependent on the drug. When her friends asked her to source weed for them, she obliged without charging, framing it as a favor among friends.

However, Singapore's strict drug laws classify such actions as drug trafficking. The state's Central Narcotics Bureau soon arrested Kim when one of her friends was caught with cannabis and named her as the supplier. The horrifying prospect of being charged with drug trafficking sent Kim into a spiral of fear and uncertainty.

Cannabis, while increasingly legalized in multiple regions worldwide, carries severe penalties in Singapore. A possession of just 15g is presumed to be trafficking, while 500g or more mandates a death sentence. In recent months, executions for drug offenses have sparked international concern regarding the harshness of the legal framework here.

Kim may not be facing execution, but she anticipates a lengthy prison sentence, with a minimum of five years and a maximum of up to 20 years. While awaiting her trial, her friends received markedly different treatment; they were classified solely as users and sent to a state-run Drug Rehabilitation Centre for six months.

Singapore, known for its stringent drug policies, manages its rehabilitation through this austere center. Rather than private, comfortable facilities, the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) operates under prison-like conditions with constant surveillance and no luxuries.

In December 2023, nearly 4,000 individuals were incarcerated for drug offenses, with the DRC housing about 500 men. The cramped quarters include shared toilets and showers, with inmates sleeping on mats on the cold concrete floors. The emphasis, according to Superintendent Ravin Singh, is placed heavily on deterrence; comfort is not a priority in rehabilitation.

During their stay, inmates engage in classroom settings focused on psychological tools to resist drug use. Jon*, a fellow inmate facing methamphetamine addiction, described his experience in the program, emphasizing the challenges of confronting drug triggers once back in society.

While Singapore continues to execute those charged with trafficking, it claims to be evolving in its treatment of drug users, including eliminating criminal records for those entering rehab. Minister for Home Affairs and Law K. Shanmugam stated that if individuals pose no threat to society, the authorities should not classify them as criminals.

Despite these claims, critics argue that the DRC's conditions are inhumane and fail to address the root causes of addiction, instead promoting a culture of shame. The Transformative Justice Collective maintains that the punitive approach harms lives rather than helping them.

Monitoring remains vital as individuals re-enter society. A man, previously in the DRC for heroin abuse, celebrates leaving after 26 months drug-free, monitored by an electronic tag to ensure compliance with sobriety measures—a reflection of Singapore's tough stance on drug offenses.

Singapore's policies are clear: there is no distinction between casual users and serious addicts. While drug treatment systems do appear to be reforming, criticisms around inhumane conditions, alongside mandatory reporting of narcotic use by medical professionals, remain.

As Kim awaits her fate, she reflects on a potential lengthy incarceration, joining thousands in a system that continues to prioritize punishment over rehabilitation. Amid global shifts toward decriminalization, Singapore's zero-tolerance remains steadfast, with significant implications for those caught in the web of drug laws.

*All names have been changed. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, assistance is available through various support organizations.