The National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) and Its Fight Against Synthetic Drugs

The National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA) was formed in January 1995 to serve as an umbrella body to formulate anti-drug strategies and programmes.
NCADA's role is to:
• Advise the Government on measures and strategies necessary to tackle the drug problem;
• Harness community support for anti-drug programmes; and
• Promote preventive
drug education (PDE) programmes to educate the public on the dangers of drug addiction.

NCADA, which comprises prominent members from the community, acts as a link between the community and the Government. Through extensive and diverse networks including Voluntary Welfare Organisations and community self-help groups, NCADA members help the Government gather feedback and ideas from the community to tackle the drug situation.

Over the last ten years, Singapore has witnessed the emerging popularity of synthetic drugs such as Ketamine, Methamphetamine and Ecstasy. Also known as 'club' drugs because they are most commonly taken by club-goers, these drugs produce effects ranging from dreamy intoxication, false feelings of confidence and a temporary sense of well-being. However, many abusers are not aware of the damaging effects these drugs can cause to their bodies, and misguidedly think that synthetic drugs are less addictive and harmful than other traditional drugs, such as heroin and morphine.

Reasons for rise of synthetic drugs:
• False perception of synthetic drugs as less addictive and harmful than traditional hardcore drugs, such as Heroin and Morphine.
• Proliferation as trendy 'club' and 'party' drugs in the underground dance and rave scenes.
• Hedonistic youth culture, which encourages the belief that synthetic drugs allow abusers to party through the night without feeling exhausted.

Recent drug-arrest statistics reflect an emerging trend towards synthetic drugs in Singapore's drug culture. The number of new Methamphetamine abusers more than doubled in 2002 as compared to 2001 while new Ketamine abusers rose by 87% over the same period. Out of the 970 Methamphetamine, Ketamine and Ecstasy abusers arrested in 2002, 27% were aged 20 to 24, followed by abusers in the 25 to 29 age group (19%).

NCADA adopts a proactive approach to instilling in our youths a zero tolerance against drug abuse. Our initiatives have included anti-drug sporting events, camps, and various other activities aimed at helping youths develop a sense of self-esteem and passion for a drug-free lifestyle. Through these means, the anti-drug message is communicated to more than 100,000 annually.

To deal specifically with synthetic drugs, NCADA also initiated the "Clubs Against Drugs" campaign in 2000. During these campaigns, participating clubs were provided with anti-drug publicity materials such as posters, drink coasters, T-shirts and car stickers. Club owners helped to promote the anti-drug abuse message amongst their patrons. For more information on the dangers of synthetic drugs and our anti-drug efforts in Singapore, please visit NCADA's website at www.drugfree.org.sg or Central Narcotic Bureau's website at www.cnb.org.sg.