- Joined
- Oct 21, 2009
- Messages
- 1,319
- Points
- 0
Heroin makes comeback among new addicts
Number nabbed in 2010 a 10-year record; they form a third of total heroin arrests
Published on Oct 17, 2011
Rising heroin production in the region and easier networking between users and suppliers relying on new technologies, may be fuelling the resurgence of the drug among the young. -- ST FILE PHOTO
By Yen Feng
Heroin abuse among first-time offenders surged to a record high last year, raising fears that the drug is now luring younger users.
Figures from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) showed that out of the 1,787 total heroin-related arrests last year, 523 were first-time offenders.
Available data showed this broke a 10-year record. As recently as 2005, there were only eight cases of first-time offenders.
First-time heroin abusers formed a larger cut of overall heroin arrests last year - nearly one in three. For most of the decade, this was closer to one in 10.
BACKGROUND STORY
Heroin users said that it was also becoming easier to procure the drug using the Internet and their mobile phones.
These days, buyer and seller have known networks across the country, and need only minimal contact to make a sale.
The spike, apparently spurred by greater supply and easier access to the drug, has already prompted stronger police action. Early signs this year indicate that last year's high will likely fall this year.
Read the full story in Monday's edition of The Straits Times.
Last edited:
