First-time drug abusers who surrender from May 16 will not be sent to DRC: Edwin Tong

These were cases where drugs were detected in the person during postmortem analysis, he said, adding that about 30 per cent of these deaths across 2024 and 2025 involved Singaporean abusers who had remained undetected for drug abuse.

He shared two cases, including one where a Singaporean man, 30, suddenly became agitated on his way home after a night of drinking with his friend. He suffered a seizure and died in hospital.

He had lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, in his body, which can cause seizures, comas and cardiovascular collapse, said Mr Tong.

In the second case, a 31-year-old man was playing with his son at home when he suddenly became aggressive. He punched his father who was trying to protect his grandson.

During a struggle with neighbours, he fell to his knees and lost consciousness. He was pronounced dead in hospital. Methamphetamine was found in his bloodstream.

Drug Victims Remembrance Day, observed on the third Friday of May each year, highlights the impact of drugs on abusers and their loved ones.

As part of this year’s campaign, a short film titled Stories, Unfinished was released. It follows the journey of a fictional teenager and traces his life before and after drug abuse.

From May 15 to 17, “The Library of Stories, Unfinished” exhibition will be held at the Suntec City atrium where visitors can go through a collection of real-life accounts and interactive elements from the campaign film.

Mr Tong noted how several local activists will hold candlelight vigils for drug traffickers on death row but leave out the hurt these traffickers had inflicted on drug abuse victims and their families.

“When we talk about drugs, we must always remember the victims,” he said.

“Families suffer from the abusers’ drug-induced violence, the consequential fear in their lives being around the abuser, and the grief when they see what their spouse or children have turned into.

“Their stories must also be told,” added the minister.

Several former drug abusers attended the ceremony.

One of them was Mr Richard Tan, 58, who had been in and out of jail multiple times for drug use since he was a teenager.

Now a prison counsellor, Mr Tan said: “Back then, I would steal, rob and extort just to get money to buy drugs, to feed my flesh.”

The turning point came when he was arrested in Malaysia for selling drugs. His wife was pregnant.

“When I got out of jail, my son was already seven years old. I never had a chance to carry him or even change his diapers. That’s when I knew I had to change my habits,” said Mr Tan.

Mr Timothy York James, 44, a former drug abuser, was 16 when his father turned him in to the authorities.

“At that point, I felt betrayed, hurt and angry. But now, I understand why he did that,” said Mr James, who now works as an operations staff at a halfway house.

In 2022, his wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three months after they got married. 

“I was still abusing drugs. My wife begged me to stop, if not, she said she would refuse cancer treatment. She would rather die,” said Mr James, choking up.

“I promised her I would not do drugs again.”

His message to those struggling with drug addiction is to seek help early.

“I want to tell addicts that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help,” he said.