DRUG MENACE (Counter measures and enhanced penalties for drug peddlers)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the drug menace in the Republic has reached danger level, and what steps he is taking to counter it; and (b) if he will introduce amending legislation for the imposition of stiffer sentences and heavier fines on persons found guilty `of drug peddling.

Prof. Wong Lin Ken: Mr Speaker, Sir, the drug menace in the Republic has not reached the danger levels of America, for instance. However, the Government takes a very serious view of the drug problem. It can easily get out of control, if left unchecked. There will be more constant, persistent and thorough action to prevent, detect and suppress the traffic of drugs into the country and its use by young and old. Such activities will be co-ordinated in the Central Narcotics Bureau which is being established in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Apart from the activities of the Bureau, there are plans to provide (a) surveillance and counselling in educational institutions, (b) expansion of the facilities for treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, and (c) formation of an association of responsible persons, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, parents, etc., to complement the efforts of the Government in tackling this drug problem. People interested in actively helping the Central Narcotics Bureau will be invited to the inaugural meeting of the association.

Legislation will be introduced shortly to provide for enhanced penalties for those found guilty of drug peddling.