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'Distressing scene' of baby boy found in squalid flat with meth-abusing mother: CNB

Methamphetamine has been the most commonly abused drug in Singapore since 2015. (PHOTO: CNB Drug Free SG/Facebook)
Methamphetamine has been the most commonly abused drug in Singapore since 2015. (PHOTO: CNB Drug Free SG/Facebook)

SINGAPORE — A nine-month-old baby boy was found in a squalid flat where his mother was using methamphetamine, commonly known as "Ice", said the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Friday (24 June).

The woman, his sole caregiver, was using the drug in close proximity to the boy who was found in a "distressing scene", said CNB in a Facebook post that has gone viral with over 1,900 shares as of 9.50pm.

"Living conditions were squalid and drug paraphernalia were found in the open," CNB added, noting that the discovery was made during a recent operation. It did not specify when or where the operation was conducted, as well as the age of the woman.

A photo of the flat included in the post on social media shows an unkempt living room with a thin mattress on the floor. A pack of cigarettes, several water bottles, and masks can be seen littered on the floor, along with several plastic bags and luggage. A baby walker can be seen placed on top of a wooden frame.

Officers brought the baby back to the station and provided him with childcare necessities, such as milk powder, CNB said.

The baby has since been handed over to the Ministry of Social and Family Development as the woman's parents are unable to take care of him. The woman will be committed to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

"Such scenes, though rare in Singapore, are a stark reminder that those who deal in drugs destroy lives," said CNB.

Methamphetamine has been the most commonly abused drug in Singapore since 2015.

Of the 2,724 drug abusers arrested in Singapore last year, 58 per cent, or 1,592, were using methamphetamine, followed by heroin at 28 per cent and cannabis at 5 per cent, according to CNB's 2021 annual statistics.

Of the 937 new abusers arrested last year, 76 per cent were using methamphetamine.

Seizures of methamphetamine saw a 3 per cent rise to 48.11kg last year, from 46.81kg in 2020.

Offenders convicted of methamphetamine consumption can face a maximum jail term of 10 years and a maximum fine of $20,000.

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