Updated: 08/19/2013 12:57 | By Channel NewsAsia
More drug abusers arrested in first half of 2013: CNB
SINGAPORE: The Central Narcotics Bureau said the number of drug abusers arrested increased 3 per cent in the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.
There were 1,731 arrests in the first half of 2012 compared to 1,790 in the same period of 2013.
Heroin and methamphetamine continue to be the most commonly abused drugs.
92 per cent of all drug abusers arrested were heroin or methamphetamine abusers.
Cannabis was the third most commonly abused drug.
The number of new cannabis abusers arrested increased from 38 in the first half of 2012 to 51 in the same period in 2013.
CNB said there was also an increase in drug seizures in the first half of 2013 compared to the same period last year.
The estimated street value of drug seizures in the first half of 2013 amounted to about S$9.4 million.
Seizures of heroin and methamphetamine, or “Ice”, remained high.
Of the 22.5kg of “Ice” seized, about 17.7kg was not intended for the local market.
CNB said efforts to prevent the generation from abusing drugs are also important.
The bureau is continuing its outreach to youths through different platforms including exhibitions and anti-drug school assembly talks.
There are also high-profile events such as DanceWorks!, which entered its 15th year in 2013. - CNA/xq
