World

Singapore raises alarm over rising global drug menace

Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine have driven a global surge in drug abuse, and drugs themselves are becoming more potent, a Singaporean official has said.

Singapore (VNA) – Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam on May 15 warned that global drug abuse is worsening and called for stronger international cooperation to combat the growing threat.

"Worldwide, the number of people using drugs rose to nearly 300 million in 2022, which is a 20% increase compared to 10 years ago," he said in a speech during the Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs.

Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine have driven a global surge in drug abuse. These substances can be produced anywhere and at any time, he noted, citing the latest World Drug Report, which shows that methamphetamine is now the dominant drug being seized.

Besides, the official added, drugs themselves are becoming more potent.

He announced the formation of the Asia-Pacific Confederation against Drugs, a regional coalition of non-governmental organisations that will advocate for stronger drug demand reduction efforts and the creation of drug-free societies./.

VNA
#Singapore #methamphetamine #drug abuse #Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs #Asia-Pacific Confederation against Drugs Singapore
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips (Photo: Reuters)

Singapore negotiates for US concessions on pharmaceuticals, chips

Singapore is subject to a 10% tariff from the US. The country has previously warned of instability in its trade-dependent economy, along with heightened risks of recession and job losses. Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, following a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter contraction in the first quarter.

Around 18,000 units of illegal items were seized during a raid on March 21. (Photo: HSA)

Singapore seizes illegal health products

Under Singapore's law, individuals found guilty of importing, manufacturing or supplying illegal health products face a two-year jail term, a 50,000 SGD fine, or both.

See more

Malaysia's Petronas Twin Towers (Photo: AFP)

Malaysia plans sales, service tax hikes

The tax adjustment supports the Malaysian Government’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign food supply chains and to assist domestic farmers, a finance official has said.

Philippines seizes 175 million USD meth haul

Philippines seizes 175 million USD meth haul

Two naval gunboats intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 1.5 tonnes of methamphetamine hydrochloride off the coast of the main island of Luzon just before dawn, in a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The exhibition stall of Vietnam News Agency at the National Press Festival 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Cuban journalist praises revolutionary press’s role in Vietnamese history

In the today context of socio-economic development and growth, the professionalism of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalists continues to rise, guided by exemplary mastery of new information technologies and the modernisation of their founding principles to preserve the enduring values of revolutionary journalism.

Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan. (Photo: thainews.prd.go.th)

Thailand engages USTR on five-point trade proposal

Thai Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan Thailand's formal proposal will be substantial enough for the US to consider further detailed negotiations. He hoped for a tariff rate not exceeding 10% and suggested that the US might extend the negotiation period if an agreement is not reached by the July 8 deadline.

(Photo: Malay Mail/Firdaus Latif)

Malaysia sues Telegram over harmful content

This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.

Elena Nikulina, an expert in Vietnam studies from the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies (CVAS) under the Russian Academy of Sciences. (Photo: VNA)

Verification remains core value of mainstream journalism: Russian expert

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.