Long Term Imprisonment For Recalcitrant Subutex Abusers

28 Sep 2006

Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Subutex, was made a Class A Controlled Drug under the First Schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) on 14 Aug 2006, making it an offence to import, distribute, possess or consume the drug.

At the same time, MOH implemented a Subutex Voluntary Rehabilitation Programme (SVRP) to help all those currently on Buprenorphine wean off their dependence and to stay free from opiates. The SVRP consisted of medical and counseling components.  Buprenorphine users were given two weeks from 14 to 27 Aug 2006 to sign up for the SVRP.  3,034 Buprenorphine users had signed up for the programme. Of these, 2,269 have started medical detoxification, of whom 1,544 have successfully completed this medical phase.

The medical phase of SVRP will come to a close on Sat 30 Sep 2006.  Symptomatic treatment would however continue to be provided for buprenorphine users who present with withdrawal symptoms.

With the end of the medical phase of the SVRP, CNB will step up enforcement against Buprenorphine abusers who persist with their illegal activity. Stiff penalties will be in place to deter and punish recalcitrant abusers for persisting with their abuse of drugs.

From 1 October 2006, recalcitrant Buprenorphine abusers who have 2 previous records for consumption of opiates, synthetic drugs (i.e Methamphetamine, 'Ecstasy', Ketamine or Nimetazepam) or Buprenorphine and are arrested again for drug consumption will be liable for long term imprisonment under the Long Term (LT) imprisonment regime, if convicted.

Under the LT imprisonment regime, third-time abusers will be liable for Long Term Imprisonment 1 (LT1), and could face a minimum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment and 3 strokes of the cane and a maximum sentence of 7 years' imprisonment and 6 strokes of the cane if convicted.  If a subsequent offence of consumption is committed, abusers would be liable for LT 2 and could face a minimum sentence of 7 years' imprisonment and 6 strokes of the cane and a maximum sentence of 13 years' imprisonment and 12 strokes of the cane if convicted.

Singapore's national strategy against drug abuse is based on a holistic framework with a multi-pronged approach of preventive education, tough enforcement to arrest addicts and traffickers swiftly, treatment and rehabilitation to reform the addicts, and aftercare to reintegrate reformed addicts back into society. In addition, there is long term imprisonment and caning for recalcitrant addicts. This approach has proven successful, with addicts being clean upon release from the Drug Rehabilitation Centres. There is no easy solution to the problem of drug addiction. Beyond what the authorities can do, the individual has the responsibility of avoiding drugs knowing that it can only bring misery.  Those who are addicted must be committed and determined to kick their habit as they seek to re-integrate into society and lead a drug-free life.