Youths' lax mindset, liberal attitudes on drugs pose stiff challenge to S'pore authorities' zero tolerance stance

For the most part of her life, Anna (not her real name) steered clear of narcotics, which she said resulted from the constant bombardment of “say no to drugs” messages throughout Singapore’s education system.

Such warnings, however, did little to hold back her curiosity while she was studying in a London university a few years ago, when she tried weed, or marijuana, for the first time.

“Everyone around me has tried at least once, 10 out of 10,” said the 26-year-old professional in the legal profession.

Anna was one of seven youths whom TODAY spoke to ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, on Sunday (June 26). They include former junkies and recreational drug users whose more liberal attitude towards drugs has become a growing concern for authorities and counsellors here.

This lax mindset comes amid legalisation of drugs like marijuana or cannabis in some countries and the increased glamourisation of drug abuse through the media.