Stiffer penalties as drug arrests jump - Straits Times

The Government on Monday moved to change laws mandating the death penalty for murder and drug trafficking even as it lengthened sentences for drug peddlers to up to 30 years.

The proposed stiffer penalties come amid a worsening drug situation here which has seen more drugs seized and drug arrests jumping fourfold from seven years ago.

Hardest hit by the proposed changes will be repeat traffickers and those who push drugs to young people aged below 21. Maximum sentences for those found guilty could go up to 30 years of jail time plus 15 strokes of the cane, depending on the types of drugs peddled.

Two new offences were also proposed, that will make it illegal to recruit the young into the drug trade, and to throw drug parties. Those who organise such gatherings can be jailed up to 20 years and be given 10 strokes of the cane.