On The Ground

When the long arm of the law crosses borders

Singapore’s anti-drug laws are among several that are extraterritorial in their reach. Here’s a look at the public policy reasons behind them.

The extraterritorial reach of Singapore's anti-drug laws reflects the Republic's stand for zero tolerance on drugs. PHOTO: CENTRAL NARCOTICS BUREAU
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Olympic champion Joseph Schooling's confession to taking cannabis in Vietnam and the ensuing investigation by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) have put the spotlight on the extraterritorial nature of Singapore's anti-drug laws.

It raises the question: How is it that Singapore's anti-drug laws can catch up with those who take drugs overseas?

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