Singapore proposes Asean joint statement to reaffirm commitment towards a drug-free region

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Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 09:32:20 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-31 00:07:19

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SINGAPORE: Singapore has proposed a joint statement by Asean countries to strengthen their collective commitment to combat the drug problem in the region, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday (Dec 1).

The proposal, which was put forward at the Asean Internal Security Community Council meeting on Wednesday, came as the region noted a rise in drug trafficking and abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ministry said that the joint statement will reaffirm Asean's commitment to address the drug problem and strengthen collaboration through information sharing, capacity-building programmes, and joint investigations.

It also seeks to enhance mutual cooperation and understanding through exchanges of best practices, expertise, and experiences in drug prevention and treatment.

The proposal is now being considered by the Asean Secretariat and member states, added MHA.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the global crisis sparked by the pandemic has exacerbated the problem of drug abuse and trafficking.

Criminal organisations leveraged on the disruption of health and security systems to increase their activities.

The pandemic also disrupted treatment services and challenged the continuity of care for people with drug use disorders, while access to substances became harder in some countries, with devastating effects on people who inject drugs.

Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

correspondent

[Picture of a drug seizure by the Singapore Customs]

Source: Singapore Customs)

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