SINGAPORE, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- The number of new drug abusers arrested in Singapore increased in 2024, with young offenders remaining a key concern, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a report on Tuesday.
According to the Overview of Safety and Security Situation in 2024, more than half of the newly arrested drug abusers were under 30. The number of offenders below 20 rose by nearly a third compared to 2023.
The ministry warned that Singapore remains vulnerable to worsening global and regional drug developments, as illicit drug markets continue to expand. It noted that drug traffickers and producers are misusing social media platforms and encrypted communication apps to spread misinformation about the supposed benefits of drugs.
Emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach, the ministry underscored the importance of preventive drug education, strict laws, rigorous enforcement, and community collaboration in the fight against drugs. ■
