Masagos Zulkifli attends ASEAN meeting on drug matters

SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli attended the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday.

He was accompanied by the Director of the Central Narcotics Bureau Ng Ser Song and officials from the Home Affairs Ministry.

A statement from MHA said during the meeting, Mr Masagos highlighted the cross—border nature of illicit drug trafficking and urged ASEAN governments, law enforcement agencies and communities to stand united to address this threat effectively.

Mr Masagos added Singapore had remained relatively drug—free due to the tough stance it had adopted against drugs.

He also pointed to the recommendations of the Taskforce on Drugs.

The Taskforce had recommended a comprehensive approach to tackle the drug situation in Singapore.

This includes targeted prevention, strong deterrence and enforcement, upstream intervention for young abusers, rehabilitation and supervision to prevent relapse as well as the active engagement of families and the community.

Mr Masagos said that the key to the success of the revised regime is the cooperation and collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies.

At the Ministerial Meeting, Mr Masagos also called on Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung and met with the Thai Justice Minister Pracha Promnok.

— CNA/cc