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Cannabis abuse in Singapore hits 10-year high

Over 60 percent of the new cannabis abusers arrested last year were young people under 30.

01 Mar 2024 07:30am
Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF
Photo for illustrative purposes only - 123RF
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SINGAPORE - The number of cannabis abusers in Singapore hit a 10-year-high in 2023, and the government will continue the firm stance against drugs, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam told the Parliament Thursday.

The minister noted that over 60 percent of the new cannabis abusers arrested last year were young people under 30.

"Arguments for cannabis legalisation are often driven by parties with commercial interest. They describe cannabis as a harmless soft drug. But the scientific evidence shows that cannabis damages health," Shanmugam said.

He announced that every third Friday of May will be the "Drug Victims Remembrance Day" in Singapore from this year.

"The government, schools, and institutes of higher learning will organize activities on this day," the minister said.

Singapore arrested 3,101 drug abusers last year, an increase of 10 percent from 2022, according to a previously issued annual report by the Central Narcotics Bureau. - XINHUA

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