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Singapore reports worrying rise in youth drug abuse

The total number of drug abusers arrested in Singapore rose slightly from 3,175 in 2024 to 3,208 in 2025, while the number of repeat offenders fell by 6% to 2,043. However, the number of new drug abusers increased significantly by 17%, from 996 to 1,165

Of the 1,165 new drug abusers arrested in 2025, 583 of them were below 30 years old (Photo: channelnewsasia.com)
Of the 1,165 new drug abusers arrested in 2025, 583 of them were below 30 years old (Photo: channelnewsasia.com)

Singapore (VNA) – Drug abuse among young people in Singapore is rising worryingly, according to the Central Narcotics Bureau’s (CNB) annual statistics report released on February 10.

CNB Director Sebastian Tan said youth drug abuse remains a key concern, noting that the youngest drug abuser arrested in 2025 was only 12 years old.

Of the 1,165 new drug users arrested last year, about half were aged below 30, an increase of around 9% compared to 2024. The number of new abusers under the age of 20 rose sharply by 22%. All cannabis abusers below 20 were first-time users, while nearly 60% of new cannabis abusers were under 30.

Among the 177 individuals under 20 arrested for drug-related offences, 139, or about 79%, were found to be abusing methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, heroin and cannabis remained the three most commonly abused drugs in Singapore in 2025, with about 95% of drug abusers arrested using at least one of the three. Around one in five abusers was found to be using two or more types of drugs.

The total number of drug abusers arrested rose slightly from 3,175 in 2024 to 3,208 in 2025, while the number of repeat offenders fell by 6% to 2,043. However, the number of new drug abusers increased significantly by 17%, from 996 to 1,165, the CNB said./.

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