Saliva Drug Tests Rolled Out in Singapore’s Nightlife Venues

Saliva drug tests have been reportedly deployed in Singapore’s nightclubs, bars, and lounges for the first time. Last weekend, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) conducted an anti-drug raid at two nightspots and checked nearly 240 party-goers. 

Channel NewsAsia reported that authorities tested several patrons with the saliva kits on suspicion of drug consumption.

Among those, a middle-aged Singaporean man was arrested for suspected drug-related offenses, while a 31-year-old individual was taken into custody for potentially being a member of organized crime. 

The operation was part of the Police Force and Civil Defence Force’s plan to clamp down on illegal activities. 

Earlier this year, the CNB introduced saliva test kits at Singapore’s checkpoints to prevent permanent residents from abusing drugs overseas. The kits, which give the results in ten minutes, have now become part of Singapore’s nightlife to weed out users. 

Superintendent Lim Sze Yuk, one of CBD’s commanding officers described the saliva test’s implementation as a way to help “increase the testing capacity during our anti-drug operations.” 

“The test kits are portable and easy to use, and have helped officers make quicker assessments during operations, thereby allowing us to increase the testing rate.”

Those who test positive for drug consumption will go to CNB’s headquarters for further investigations. 

If caught in possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs, you can serve up to ten years jail time or receive a $20,000 fine under the country’s Misuse of Drugs Act. 

Singapore is known for its draconian drug laws, which apply the death penalty for trafficking large quantities of illicit substances.