Singapore Speaks at HLM

In the early 1990s the drug situation in Singapore was deteriorating and it became critical for Singapore early on to address the drug problem early on. We have taken tough laws with vigorous enforcement efforts. Drug addicts go through compulsory rehabilitation regime to kick their addiction and pick up useful skills. We also disseminate the anti drug message through various initiatives. The number of addicts dealt with in Singapore has reduced by 57% and today Singapore registers one of the lowest drug problems worldwide. Harm reduction versus harm prevention! In 2002 doctors began prescribing subutex – we realised it fuels addiction, doesn't cure it and we had the emergence of a needle culture begin - Something not seen in the 1970s! Much effort was taken to stamp out subutex abuse including requiring subutex addicts to go through rehabilitation. We respect some countries choose harm reduction but Singapore adopts a zero tolerance stance. We have launched anti drugs campaigning and we wish to share our experiences with other member states. That we are gathered here today represents common commitment to countering the drug scourge.