From May 16, all 1st-time drug abusers who surrender to CNB will not be sent to DRC: Edwin Tong

First-time drug abusers who voluntarily surrender to the Central Narcotics Bureau from May 16, 2026 will no longer automatically be sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC), announced Law Minister Edwin Tong.

Speaking at Singapore’s third annual Drug Victims Remembrance Day observance on May 15, Tong said first-time abusers who come forward will instead be placed on community drug supervision with compulsory case management.

“With effect from 16 May 2026, tomorrow, all first-time drug abusers who surrender will not be sent to the DRC, but will instead be placed on drug supervision in the community, with compulsory case management."

He added that the existing conditions under the surrender regime would continue to apply.

Drug abusers seeking help will continue receiving support through regular community counselling sessions, including psychology-based approaches such as goal-setting and family engagement, alongside regular hair or urine testing conducted by CNB.

"This, we hope, will encourage more abusers to come forward, step forward, and see that Singapore is for them. Singapore will help them to rehabilitate."

Young drug abuser numbers increasing

Tong also raised concerns about younger people becoming involved in drugs.

“Last year, we shared that the youngest abuser ever arrested was 13. This year, the youngest abuser arrested is 12 years old."

He added that more than half of newly arrested abusers over the past three years were below 30 years old.

Cannabis also remained a concern, with seven in 10 cannabis abusers arrested in 2025 being new abusers.

Drug deaths rose in 2025

Tong said Singapore recorded 68 drug-related deaths in 2025, up 15 per cent from the year before.

“These were cases where drugs were detected in the person during post-mortem analysis,” he said.

During the speech, Tong also criticised activists who focused on convicted traffickers while neglecting the experiences of drug victims and their families.

“The stories we have heard today remind us why we can never become complacent in the fight against drugs,” he said.

Edwin Tong highlights ASEAN’s commitment to a drug-free future

Tong also highlighted Asean countries’ shared stance against drugs, saying member states had maintained a strong consensus on tackling drug abuse and trafficking.

He said Asean countries would observe an annual Asean Drug Victims Remembrance Day on Jun. 26 from this year onwards, alongside the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Mr Tong added that Asean member states had also been invited to share stories of drug abuse victims from their own countries, saying the impact of drugs was a “shared human tragedy” that crossed borders.

He concluded by urging people to continue carrying forward the message of Drug Victims Remembrance Day and to remain drug-free and speak up against drugs.