Singapore triples jail time for drugs possession, makes sweeping changes to anti-narcotics laws

The previous maximum punishment for possession of any controlled drug, regardless of weight, was 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to US$14,774, or both

Other amendments to a key law include the drug enforcement agency’s chief being able to recall any former addict to report for a urine test throughout the person’s life

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Singapore said offenders who possess large quantities of certain controlled drugs such as cannabis will face stiffer penalties from this month. File photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 4:01pm, 1 Jun 2023

Offenders caught with large quantities of certain class A controlled drugs, such as cannabis and methamphetamine, will face stiffer penalties – including caning – from Thursday, said Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The previous maximum punishment for possession of any controlled drug, regardless of weight, was 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to S$20,000 (US$14,774), or both.

Now, offenders can be caned depending on the amount of drugs they possess. Mandatory minimum sentences for certain weight thresholds have also been set, while the maximum punishment will now be 30 years’ jail and 15 strokes of the cane.

Amendments to Singapore’s main drugs legislation, the Misuse of Drugs Act, were passed in parliament in March.

The eight controlled drugs that this will apply to are cannabis, cannabis mixture, cannabis resin, cocaine, diamorphine (pure heroin), methamphetamine, morphine and opium.

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