Duterte calls for 'drug-free' ASEAN

[Pinoy]

April 29, 2017

The Philippine President also stresses 'non-interference' of other countries in domestic issues of ASEAN member-states

ASEAN WAY'. President Rodrigo Duterte gives a speech at the opening ceremony of the 30th ASEAN Summit
and Related Meetings on April 29, 2017


MANILA, Philippines – Known worldwide for his bloody campaign against illegal drugs, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for a "drug-free" Southeast Asia in a speech at a regional summit.

"We must also be resolute in realizing a drug-free ASEAN. The scourge of illegal drugs threatens our gains in community-building," said Duterte on Saturday, April 29, as he formally opened the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Pasay City.

Duterte's emphasis on a regional fight against drugs is not surprising, given his war against drugs is a central theme of his presidency.

Other Southeast Asian countries have pronounced anti-drug policies as well, including Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, and Singapore.

"The illegal drug trade apparatus is massive. But it is not impregnable. With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled; it can be destroyed before it destroys our societies," said Duterte.

In his speech, he also emphasized the need to stick to ASEAN's non-interference policy in which member-countries agree not to publicly criticize, or in other ways, get involved in domestic issues of another member-country.

This principle is enshrined in the 1967 Bangkok Declaration, the document that founded ASEAN.

Duterte described as "cornerstones" of ASEAN "mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations and non-interference in the internal affairs of one another."

"Dialogue relations can be made more productive and constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN member states is observed," he added later on.

The Philippine President has responded previously to criticism of his policies by saying such criticism is a form of interference by other nations.

This was the case when the European Parliament issued a resolution calling on the Philippines to drop efforts to revive the death penalty. Duterte lashed out, saying European lawmakers should "mind their own business."

He also lambasted the United States State Department for expressing concern overv his administration's drug war in press statements.

True enough, Duterte, right after mentioning the importance of ASEAN ties with the US and EU, said such ties can be improved if there was no interference in domestic affairs.

"Dialogue relations can be made more productive and constructive if the valued principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of ASEAN member states is observed," said Duterte.

His opening speech formally opened the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings where he and the 9 other ASEAN leaders will discuss shared concerns: economy, security, resilience to natural disasters, among others.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/168342-duterte-drug-free-asean

 

[Mista]

Many Western countries are facing drug problems among their youth, yet they want us to follow their law to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana. We are in a better position than them, so why should we? Shouldn't they follow us instead?

'Drug situation is under control. Why should we legalise drugs?'

As Singapore has its drug situation under control, "why should we go down the route of legalising drugs", asked Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam.

"If somebody can tell us and show us by evidence that legalising drugs is helpful for the person who is taking the drugs and generally doesn't impact society, then we can consider," he said.

He reaffirmed Singapore's zero-tolerance approach to drugs to The Sunday Times a week after he set out the country's anti-drugs stance at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to tackle the world drug problem.

Held from April 19 to 21, the meeting saw several countries call for a move away from criminalising drug use, to instead focus on the health of drug users. Colombia, Bolivia, Uruguay, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand and Canada, for instance, argued for reforms such as regulated markets, especially for cannabis.

But in his speech to the assembly on April 20, Mr Shanmugam said: "For us, the choice is clear. We want a drug-free Singapore, not a drug-tolerant Singapore."

He explained: "We are located in a difficult environment. We are near several major drug production centres. We believe that drugs will destroy our society.

"With 200 million people travelling through our borders every year, and given Singaporeans' purchasing power, a soft approach will mean our country will be washed over with drugs.

"This is why we have adopted a comprehensive, balanced, sustained and tough approach to tackling both drug supply and demand.

"The results speak for themselves. We are relatively drug-free, and the drug situation is under control. There are no drug havens, no no-go zones, no drug production centres, no needle exchange programmes. Our stance on drugs has allowed us to build a safe and secure Singapore for our people."

Last week, Mr Shanmugam expanded on this, and addressed the growing calls for countries to adopt "harm reduction" approaches, which are designed to minimise the harms associated with drug use.

That includes providing clean needles for drug abusers and safe, supervised injection sites.

But such measures will also impose social and financial costs on the state and taxpayers.

And this would be unacceptable to the majority of Singaporeans, said Mr Shanmugam, adding that "80 per cent of our local inmate population are either drug addicts or have drug antecedents. What does that tell you?"

He told The Sunday Times that several countries, including those in Europe and Latin America, were trying to make these liberal policies the new norm.

Much of the impetus for harm reduction was coming from countries which were "either major drug producers or have been affected by a large number of drugs flowing through their system", he explained. "It's come about because they're unable to cope with it any more. The traditional method of fighting the drug lords has not succeeded for whatever reason."

But Singapore is not in such a position and without its strict laws, the country would be swamped with drugs. He highlighted how the Republic is near the Golden Triangle of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand - the second largest heroin production centre in Asia.

Singapore's standing as an international hub means even drugs from Afghanistan - another major heroin producer - could end up here.

"Our young people will find access to drugs very easy, and once you have access to drugs, trying it out is the next step," he said.

But "a lot of people know of our tough position. Given this knowledge, people are very, very cautious, and trafficking in Singapore becomes a very risky business".

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, capital punishment is mandatory for trafficking certain drugs, for example, if a person is guilty of trafficking in more than 15g of heroin.

That is equivalent to 1,250 straws of heroin, sufficient to feed the addiction of about 180 abusers for a week.

Despite "a strong international movement to move away from the death penalty", Mr Shanmugam, who is also Law Minister, is adamant that it has proven to be effective in fighting the flow of drugs into Singapore.

The threat of such a sanction means "drug lords, the big drug gangsters don't come into Singapore". "The death penalty for traffickers, in our experience, has played a key role in combating drug trafficking. This is part of Singapore's framework of laws, coupled with effective enforcement based on rule of law."

One of the key drug threats facing the country now is the growing global acceptance of cannabis, which has been "glorified as a 'safe' drug", said Mr Shanmugam.

In Singapore, cannabis has been increasingly ensnaring young, often well-educated, abusers.

Latest statistics from the Central Narcotics Bureau show that it is now the second most-used drug by new abusers, after methamphetamine. More than two-thirds of new abusers were below 30.

Mr Shanmugam rubbished the claim that there was medical basis for using cannabis.

"This is hogwash because this is the (cannabis) industry trying to present an acceptable reason for using cannabis," he said, pointing out that it was often so-called "human rights" groups, instead of medical bodies, advocating the drug's use.

"The doctors have to say this is necessary. I haven't seen doctors saying that," said Mr Shanmugam.

Instead, the evidence is to the contrary. A study last year by the Institute of Mental Health found that cannabis abusers risked irreversible brain damage and psychiatric disorders. One in two of those who abuse cannabis daily will go on to develop an addiction.

But as cannabis culture was being promoted through foreign films, documentaries and even supported by celebrities, it made the situation "extremely challenging".

More young Singaporeans also travel abroad and may experiment with drugs overseas, before bringing their habits back home.

Fighting this requires strong education programmes. "We've got to explain to the young people what this is about... and by and large, it's been successful," he said.

Mr Shanmugam also stressed that Singapore takes a calibrated approach towards young abusers, a fact that is often overlooked.

If first- or second-time abusers get caught, they are kept out of the criminal system and given a chance to kick the habit.

"He is picked up, he is given counselling, he is given structured urine supervision, sometimes in halfway houses... We try and put him in a safer place, not detention necessarily," said Mr Shanmugam.

This focus on counselling and rehabilitation also means working with the abuser's family, educating him, and moving him away from his old contacts. Mr Shanmugam said: "You rebuild a life by giving him the scaffolding. It's much tougher to do compared with feeding him drugs, which is what (legalising drug use) means."

The easy way out would be setting up needle exchange centres and drug consumption rooms, where drug use is facilitated.

"But if you're an addict, how much of your potential, your soul, is being destroyed?" he asked.

Singapore's approach has allowed it to keep its recidivism rate low at around 30 per cent.

In contrast, some Western cities have a recidivism rate of between 40 and 50 per cent, he said.

He also highlighted how in the 1990s, over 6,000 drug abusers were arrested each year. Now, it is about 3,000 or so, despite the drug trade increasing around the world.

Mr Shanmugam admits that Singapore's smaller size, tough laws, adherence to the rule of law and no-nonsense approach to corruption mean it is easier to control the drug problem here.

It may be different for larger countries which might have difficulty policing their territories, a growing number of drug users, or a struggle with corruption and the power of drug lords. They might believe legalising some drug use to be the lesser of two evils, but doing so would still mean writing off the lives of a large number of addicts, he said.

This was why he was not keen for others to set a norm for Singapore. He said: "I don't have to choose between the lesser of two evils."

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/drug-situation-is-under-control-why-should-we-legalise-drugs

 

[shadows888]

Many Western countries are facing drug problems among their youth, yet they want us to follow their law to abolish the death penalty and legalize marijuana. We are in a better position than them, so why should we? Shouldn't they follow us instead?

no because those special snowflakes thinks Singapore is a dictator hellhole. See Amos Yee.

 

[Mista]

no because those special snowflakes thinks Singapore is a dictator hellhole. See Amos Yee.

In terms of drug results, we are better isn't it? We are not going to soften our position on drugs just because of liberalism.

 

[patero]

I don't agree or disagree with Singapore's policy on drugs, it simply is what it is. I have worked in Singapore, I enjoyed my time there.

But a question I have is why hasn't the Singaporean government outlawed Alcohol? Wouldn't that be consistent with the anti drug policies?

@shadows888, what is your opinion on drug use in China? Are existing laws and punishments sufficient in your view?

 

[graphican]

Duterte should be awarded for his war against drugs. There has been collateral damage which is unfortunate yet he is saving a nation from a bigger threat.

 

[帅的一匹]

China will provide resources for Duterte to deal with drug problem.

We want a better life and wellbeing for Philippine people, first the drug problem matters lot.

I don't agree or disagree with Singapore's policy on drugs, it simply is what it is. I have worked in Singapore, I enjoyed my time there.

But a question I have is why hasn't the Singaporean government outlawed Alcohol? Wouldn't that be consistent with the anti drug policies?

@shadows888, what is your opinion on drug use in China? Are existing laws and punishments sufficient in your view?

Any one carry more than 500g drugs will be put into death penalty.

In terms of drug results, we are better isn't it? We are not going to soften our position on drugs just because of liberalism.

Do you think the parental types of political system shall make some change? I don't sees a major difference in political system between Singapore and China, both are Centric capitalism.

You don't have opposing party, so as China.

The only difference is that Singapore is west's friend and China is not.

 

[patero]

Any one carry more than 500g drugs will be put into death penalty.

When you say 'carry' are you referring to trafficking? What about possession, or manufacturing?

And isn't 500g a rather high threshold?

 

[帅的一匹]

When you say 'carry' are you referring to trafficking? What about possession, or manufacturing?

All death penalty

 

[patero]

So do you think China's current policies and laws are sufficient?

 

[帅的一匹]

Duterte should be awarded for his war against drugs. There has been collateral damage which is unfortunate yet he is saving a nation from a bigger threat.

He is a presisdent has long vision. He know how drugs distroyed his peoples' life.

So do you think China's current policies and laws are sufficient?

Death penalty is the last tool we can resort to.

 

[patero]

Death penalty is the last tool we can resort to.

I'll refer to my previous post, isn't 500g a rather high threshold? And wouldn't there be a need to classify drugs and apply different punishments to different drugs? 500g of Cannabis is somewhat different to 500g of Cocaine or MDMA.

 

[帅的一匹]

If majorities of a country is pothead, this country will be done. I don't hope Philippine to become like this. Although we have Islands dispute, still i hope Phillipine people have better life. For humanity.

I'll refer to my previous post, isn't 500g a rather high threshold? And wouldn't there be a need to classify drugs and apply different punishments to different drugs? 500g of Cannabis is somewhat different to 500g of Cocaine or MDMA.

By 500g I mean heroin.

 

[patero]

Do you think there is enough being done about synthetic drugs in China such as domestically produced methamphetamine, MDMA, synthetic opiates and synthetic cannibis?

 

[帅的一匹]

i have to correct here that by manufacturing 50g heroin, the drug dealer will be put into death penalty. The threshold for death penalty of other drugs are: 500g for MDMA and 1000g for Ketamine(no matter possession, selling, manufacturing)

Do you think there is enough being done about synthetic drugs in China such as domestically produced methamphetamine, MDMA, synthetic opiates and synthetic cannibis?

No, not enough!