Singapore Starts Use Of Saliva Test Kits At Border Checkpoints To Detect Drug Users

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On Monday, 27 February, the Singapore Home Affairs Minister of State Faishal Ibrahim said that the Singaporean government is doing this to discourage its residents from consuming drugs abroad, reported Malay Mail.

According to Faishal, the Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore (CNB) and the police have begun testing these saliva drug test kits at several of the country's roadblock operations throughout the month of February to also curb drug abuse among road users.

During Monday's parliamentary debate on the budget for his ministry, Faishal held up a sample of the test kit.

The Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement released on Monday, 27 February, that the saliva test provides a fast, portable, and non-invasive method of testing drug consumption via oral fluid.

The test typically also takes 10 minutes to complete, which is done using an on-site preliminary screening tool that aids officers in making an initial assessment of possible drug use.

Those who come up positive will then undergo additional testing, including a urine sample.

"This additional testing method will complement and enhance CNB's current drug detection capabilities," said the ministry.

In response to questions from TODAY, a CNB representative said that the process was not as efficient.

"This process takes significantly longer and requires more resources as it involves transporting the suspects to another location, and the procurement of urine specimens, and some of the suspects might eventually test negative," they said.

The current testing only applies to Singaporeans and permanent residents, it is not stated if visitors will have to undergo routine drug tests.