Christopher de Souza on misuse of drugs and constitution amendment bills
The threat that new psychoactive substances (NPS) pose cannot be underestimated. Their number globally is almost triple the number of controlled psychoactive substances, because a simple modification to the chemical structure can result in a new variant. Asia accounts for a large percentage of NPS being trafficked. The global trend is also that NPS use is higher among school populations than the general population, even as they cause just as much harm as other drugs. MP Christopher de Souza made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 21). He welcomed proposed amendments in a Bill that will equip Singapore’s legislation with “the necessary toughness yet flexibility” to deal with NPS. By specifically listing offences relating to NPS, Singapore will be able to target the trafficking, manufacture and import of NPS. This includes exposing a child to NPS or permitting a young person to consume them. By listing what substances are excluded from the definition of an NPS, any substance not listed can be captured. Mr de Souza said this squarely deals with the fast-paced nature of the NPS market as the law need not be constantly updated. He also highlighted the other pillar in Singapore’s anti-drugs policy - rehabilitation. With NPS being particularly attractive to the younger generation, he said rehab will play a crucial role in giving drug users a second chance and reintegrating them into society.
The threat that new psychoactive substances (NPS) pose cannot be underestimated. Their number globally is almost triple the number of controlled psychoactive substances, because a simple modification to the chemical structure can result in a new variant. Asia accounts for a large percentage of NPS being trafficked. The global trend is also that NPS use is higher among school populations than the general population, even as they cause just as much harm as other drugs. MP Christopher de Souza made these points in Parliament on Tuesday (Mar 21). He welcomed proposed amendments in a Bill that will equip Singapore’s legislation with “the necessary toughness yet flexibility” to deal with NPS. By specifically listing offences relating to NPS, Singapore will be able to target the trafficking, manufacture and import of NPS. This includes exposing a child to NPS or permitting a young person to consume them. By listing what substances are excluded from the definition of an NPS, any substance not listed can be captured. Mr de Souza said this squarely deals with the fast-paced nature of the NPS market as the law need not be constantly updated. He also highlighted the other pillar in Singapore’s anti-drugs policy - rehabilitation. With NPS being particularly attractive to the younger generation, he said rehab will play a crucial role in giving drug users a second chance and reintegrating them into society.
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