Singapore’s law minister recently defended the country’s draconian death penalty for serious drug crimes, while at the same time acknowledging that they haven’t quelled the rise of drugs being smuggled into the wealthy economic hub.
There is virtually no leniency for those caught using, selling, or trafficking drugs in Singapore, with lengthy prison sentences or death-by-hangings being common punishments for offenders.
Hundreds of people have been hanged for drug smuggling in Singapore in the past, including dozens of foreigners.
In 2018 alone, 11 people were put-to-death for breaking the city-state’s ultra-strict drug laws.
Singapore’s Minister of Law K Shanmugam argued that capital punishment is necessary and a reflection of the will of the people–52% of Singaporeans support the death penalty for serious cases of drug trafficking.
In the same breath though, he admitted that the policy hasn’t worked to stop drug trafficking into Singapore, and the smuggling of illicit substances is actually on the rise.
Shanmugam also took a shot at other countries for easing their drug laws, especially in regards to marijuana, saying that drug liberalization will do far more bad than good.
Recently, Malaysia removed the death penalty as a mandatory punishment for drug smugglers.
And late last year, Thailand altered its harsh drug laws by legalizing medical marijuana.
Read the full story here.
{ 0 comments… add one now }