MARIJUANA (Measures to end smuggling, peddling and use)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received reports that marijuana is obtainable at some roadside coffee-stalls and other places in the Republic; and what measures are being taken to put an end to the smuggling, peddling and use of the drug.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance (Mr Tang See Chim) (for the Minister for Finance): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Police is aware that marijuana (or ganja as it is known locally) is being peddled at some sarabat and eating stalls in certain areas, such as Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat, Tanjong Pagar, Bukit Timah, Wayang Satu. Measures to prevent the peddling, usage and smuggling of this drug have been intensified.

The Police is responsible for the suppression of internal trafficking and consumption of drugs, while the Customs Department concentrates on international trafficking and smuggling.

In 1969, 62 persons were arrested for possessing ganja: 96 persons were arrested during the first six months of this year. The Harbour Division of the Customs Department, during the first half of this year, made several large seizures of ganja (cannabis sativa) from coastal vessels. On shore, Police and Customs squads have also stepped up the frequency of raids on known and suspected places where pushers and smugglers congregate. Seizures of ganja for the first six months of this year amounted to 192.9 pounds as compared to 61.9 pounds for the same period last year.

A couple of years back, cannabis plants were found to be cultivated even on the island itself, but land patrols by Customs have effectively eradicated these illicit farms. The Primary Production Department has also co-operated by educating local farmers to the danger of cultivating this plant through rural newspapers and other publicity campaigns. The success achieved by the Customs and the Primary Production Departments is reflected in the fact that whilst 548 cannabis plants were seized during the first six months of 1969, only one plant was seized for the first six months of this year. Constant vigilance is also maintained at the Causeway and Airport to prevent the entry of this deleterious drug.

Recently, a Seminar on Narcotics Control was held in Singapore under U.N, sponsorship. The Seminar recognised that lack of information on the dangers of drug abuse increased the risk of habituation. To counter this, plans are under consideration for the dissemination of information on the dangers of drug-taking.