Singapore raises alarm over rising global drug menace
Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine have driven a global surge in drug abuse, and drugs themselves are becoming more potent, a Singaporean official has said.
Singapore (VNA) – Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam on May 15 warned th𒀰at global drug abuse is worsening and called for🐼 stronger international cooperation to combat the growing threat.
"Worldwide, the number of people using drugs rose to nearly 300 million in 2022, which is a 20% increase compared to 10 years ago," he said in a speech during the Asia-Pacific Forum Against Drugs.
Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine have driven a global surge in drug abuse. These substances can be produced anywhere and at any time, he noted, citing the latest World Drug Report, which shows that methamphetamine is now the dominant drug being seized.
Besides, the official added, drugs themselves are becoming more potent.
He announced the formation of the Asia-Pacific Confederation against Drugs, a regional coalition of non-governmental organisations that will advocate for stronger drug demand reduction efforts and the creation of drug-free societies./.
Singapore is subject to a 10% tariff from the US. The country has previously warned of instability in its trade-dependent economy, along with heightened risks of recession and job losses. Singapore has lowered its 2025 GDP growth forecast to between 0% and 2%, following a 0.8% quarter-on-quarter contraction in the first quarter.
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