Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 2: Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim on saliva tests to detect drug abuse

Saliva tests are now being used at Singapore's border checkpoints and roadblock operations to detect drug users. This comes as drug use around the world continues to rise, with Thailand becoming the first Asian country to decriminalise cannabis last year, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 27), he said the stepped-up enforcement is part of efforts to deter Singaporeans and Permanent Residents from consuming drugs abroad. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) began using saliva test kits at checkpoints in January this year. The kits detect a variety of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis. They have also been used during inland enforcement operations. CNB and the police also began trialling joint roadblock operations this month to detect drug abusers. Assoc Prof Faishal reiterated that Singapore, which "remains safe and secure", will continue to work with community partners to prevent drug abuse, as well as combat terrorism and support prison inmates and ex-offenders.