Known or suspected drug abusers who have confessed or even had recent drug convictions will be wear an urine test regime and medication counselling sessions. During the test regime, are going to screened up to three times a week for up to 6 months.
“If they test positive, they will be researched for drug offences and potentially charged in court martial. This serves as each a deterrence along with a form of rehabilitation to assist them stay away from drugs, ” Dr Ng said.
Pee tests are executed across the SAF to monitor for drug abuse. Every enlistees undergo pee tests during their Basic Military Training (BMT).
Such medical tests are also conducted without notice in units, overseas bases and exercising locations, as well as on returning service personnel, the Defence Minister said.
The SAF Military Police conducts routine spot checks to ensure that illegal products, including controlled medications, are not brought directly into SAF premises. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) informs the SAF Army Police Command when SAF personnel are arrested for medication offences.
“Enforcement against SAF soldiers who are drug abusers is strict intended for deterrence, ” stated Dr Ng.
SAF servicemen or even women who test positive during urine screening will be charged. They are usually sentenced by the military courts to a the least eight to 9 months detention within the SAF Detention Barracks, he added.
All recruits attend talks conducted from the SAF Counselling Center (SCC) during their BMT on the harmful effects of drugs.
Right after BMT, anti-drug discussions are conducted regularly by the SCC and CNB at SAF camps and units. Before overseas exercises or postings, SAF personnel are briefed on and reminded of the consequences associated with taking drugs overseas, said Dr Ng.