The Singapore heroin control programme

In 1975 Singapore experienced a sudden heroin epidemic, and within two years an estimated 3 per cent of the males, 15-24, were involved. In 1977 the Government responded with an all-out enforcement strategy aimed at rapid containment. Demand reduction involved the large scale arrest of suspected users, and the immediate commitment of those with positive urines to Drug Rehabilitation Centres. The primary rehabilitation emphasis is on instilling discipline, social responsibility and sound work habits. Releases are placed on two years of compulsory supervision with a 5-day cycle for reporting and urine specimens. Sixty-three per cent show no detected drug use within the first year of supervision. Supply reduction efforts are equally strong and, while these were not immediately successful in limiting availability, heroin is currently very scarce and expensive. While there is some evidence of the substitution of cannabis, psychotropic drugs and alcohol, the number of new heroin cases is minimal. Overall, the epidemic appears to have been controlled.