Singapore checkpoints, roadblocks use saliva test kits to detect drugs

SINGAPORE - Checkpoints and roadblocks in Singapore have implemented the use of a new Saliva drug testing kit capable of producing results in 10 minutes.

State for Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said the kits have been in use since January to curb individuals from usage of drugs.

He said the kits were light, compact and efficient to detect users at checkpoints.

The Straits Times quoting central narcotics bureau (CNB) spokesman said it deployed the kits at roadblocks in February and those tested positive will be arrested.

"Previously we would escort all suspected drug abusers to the CNB office to conduct a urine test.

"This is a lengthy process and it required more resources as it involves transporting suspects and procuring specimens, this could eventually lead to negative tests as well," he was quoted in The Straits Times.

Faishal said the new Saliva test kit were similar to those used for Covid-19 with a red line indicator when specific drugs were detected.

MHA said it was concerned over the drug use among the youth after CNB revealed the annual statistics released in February showed two of three among repeat and new drug users were below the age of 30.

Faishal said support towards individuals involved in drugs will be increased to prevent a relapse.

In February, The Straits Times reported in February that the Singapore prison service (SPS) revealed the country's five-year recidivism rate for the first time showing four in 10 former inmates released in 2017 relapsed and were detained, jailed or given a day reporting order within five years of their release.

Faishal said Singapore Yellow Ribbon will be launching an initiative to help inmates in developing career options in emerging technological sectors.

He added through the YR Sandbox initiative Singapore Yellow Ribbon will cooperate with industry partners to provide on-the-job training or work-study programmes as quoted from The Straits Times.

Faishal added the SPS has piloted new ways for volunteers to assist in the case management of selected supervisers in community-based programmes and these volunteer case officers will guide supervisees throughout the programme.

He stated the SPS was working with community partners to launch the new Desistor Network in April.

Desistors were former offenders who steered clear of crime and drugs serving as mentors for newly released inmates.

"This will strengthen desistors' sense of self as contributing members of the community," Faishal said.