Third Committee

STATEMENT BY MS JANICE TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 66TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 108, ON INTERNATIONAL DRUG CONTROL, THIRD COMMITTEE, 5 OCTOBER 2011

Mr Chairman,

1 My delegation congratulates you and your Bureau on your appointments and assures you of our steady support and cooperation.

"All sins tend to be addictive, and the terminal point of addiction is damnation."
W.H.Auden

2 Drug addiction in Singapore began with the consumption of opium back in the 19th and early 20th century. Today we are combating an even larger variety of new substances. The 2011 World Drug Report noted stable or downward trends for heroin and cocaine use in major regions of consumption but these findings were being offset by increases in the use of synthetic and prescription drugs. The Report also pointed to the entry of many new substances into the market that pose challenges to public health and law enforcement systems. The situation is compounded by an increase in social factors that make people, especially youth, more vulnerable and likely to engage in drug use and drug-related risk-taking behaviour.

3 The devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking are apparent at all levels - the destruction of individuals, families and communities, increased crime and violence and the waste of human, natural and financial resources that might otherwise be used for productive goals. A rapidly changing social and economic climate, coupled with increased availability and promotion of drugs and the demand for them, have contributed to the increasing magnitude of the global drug abuse problem. These trends show that we cannot relent in international and national efforts to fight drug use.

4 Singapore respects the fact that countries will need to employ strategies that best suit their unique situation and needs. Singapore's policy has been to adopt a "zero tolerance" approach towards drug abuse. This approach has served us well. Because what we hold so precious - that is, our youths who are our future - is at stake, Singapore does not take chances with the negative societal impact of drugs. Tough as the battle may be, we do not believe in taking a defeatist position that the drug problem is unsolvable. Instead, we are fully committed to providing a safe and healthy community that allows Singaporeans to flourish to their full potential.

5 To this end, Singapore adopts an integrated multi-agency and multi-pronged approach. This comprises tough legislation, high profile preventive education, vigourous enforcement, comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation for the addicts, as well as aftercare to reintegrate reformed addicts back into society.

6 Given the strong social influence in drug consumption, preventive education programmes are pivotal in the fight against drug abuse. Singapore's programme is centered on helping youths resist temptations to try drugs. It is a concerted effort involving the government, non-governmental organisations, self-help groups, schools and the community at large. When combined with our tough laws and vigourous enforcement, the local drug situation remains under control despite Singapore's proximity to the Golden Triangle and regional methamphetamine production centres. Over the past 16 years, the number of drug abusers arrested has been on a general decline, from 6,165 in 1994 to 2,887 in 2010. This drop occurred against Singapore's population holding steady within that time period and the Central Narcotics Bureau's (CNB) increased enforcement efforts. We are pleased to report that the number of new drug abusers arrested saw a five percent drop in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year. There are also no systemic or sophisticated organized large scale trafficking operations in Singapore.

7 Mr Chairman, the drug problem is also a transnational one. Singapore is not a producer of narcotics but as a major regional financial and transportation centre, we are an attractive target for drug transshipment. International cooperation is therefore a critical pillar in our fight against drugs. Strong bilateral cooperation and the sharing of best practices and expertise undergird the CNB's success in fighting drugs. The CNB partners many foreign law enforcement agencies on a bilateral basis in activities that range from the exchange of intelligence and information, to joint investigations, operations and training programmes.

8 Singapore has set up a task force last month to review the current drug situation, including a comprehensive study on the changing profile of offenders. We will continue to devote efforts to reduce the demand for drugs and help abusers to live drug-free lives and rejoin society without facing discrimination. Singapore reaffirms its commitment and support to the United Nations' efforts in fighting drugs and will continue to actively establish cooperative relations and work with our strategic partners to combat the global problem of addiction. To balance the grim opening quote, I end with a quote from Helen Keller:

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

We are hopeful and confident that this problem can be tackled. Thank you.