Singapore softens approach to first-time drug abusers as they get ‘younger and younger’

First-time drug abusers in Singapore who surrender themselves to the authorities will no longer face detention at the city state’s rehabilitation centre, a government minister has confirmed.All such abusers will now be placed on drug supervision in the community with mandatory case management for their rehabilitation, under changes that took effect on Saturday.The change came after a review to “encourage more first-time abusers to come forward and seek help with their addiction”, Law Minister Edwin Tong, also Singapore’s second minister for home affairs, said on Friday at a Drug Victims Remembrance Day observance ceremony.Singapore’s Law Minister Edwin Tong said abusers who wanted to “live a drug-free life” would be supported with counselling sessions in the community. Photo: HandoutUnder rules in place since 2019, drug abusers are placed on a “step-down regime” based on the Central Narcotics Bureau’s assessment of their risk levels. This can include community-based drug supervision or detention at Singapore’s rehabilitation-centre" class="entity-link entity-organization" data-entity-id="128929" data-entity-type="organization">Drug rehabilitation Centre. All abusers have two surrender opportunities in their lifetime.