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My issue is a bit unusual. I've passed a medical exam in Singapore for my company. They tested me positive to drug cannabis but never caught me as I left the country before result issued. Hospital send notification to minister of health MOH which has sent report to Central Narcotics Bureau with all my details. Do I have to avoid going to Singapore for my entire life?

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    Off-topic for your question, but maybe helpful for people wanting to avoid ending up in your situation (or worse): are you willing to disclose how long before those tests you used cannabis? I'm assuming the test wasn't a false positive. Apologies if I'm wrong about that.
    – marcelm
    Commented Apr 8, 2021 at 21:56
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    I sympathize with @marcelm's curiosity but would advise against admitting to any felonies (if in fact any have been committed) on a public website like Stack Exchange.
    – mlc
    Commented Apr 9, 2021 at 9:24
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    How did they get to test you in the first place? I mean, assuming you knew you would have tested positive (and that's why you left the country), why didn't you just leave before the test instead?
    – o0'.
    Commented Apr 9, 2021 at 15:48
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    I find this issue worth asking a lawyer, and disclosing all information as to how, when, where and why this happened. The consequences of a bad move here can be disastrous.
    – Quora Feans
    Commented Apr 9, 2021 at 23:01
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    @Peter-ReinstateMonica Police in some/many countries are also known for lying to you in order to help them arrest you.
    – Criticizing Israel not allowed
    Commented Apr 10, 2021 at 20:59

3 Answers 3

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Good move getting out of Singapore in time, since simple possession of a controlled substance in Singapore (including cannabis metabolites in your system) is punishable by up to 10 years in jail. First time offenders usually get away with "only" 6 months in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which is located within Changi Prison and by most accounts isn't much better than actual jail.

The bad news is that Singapore inherits most of its legal code from the UK, including the globally rare concept of having no statute of limitations for criminal offences. So, yes, I would strongly recommend never setting foot in Singapore again, even in transit. Sorry.

Update: While Singapore's laws are clear that consuming drugs outside Singapore is an offense if you are a local citizen or permanent resident (Sec. 8A), it's less clear what happens if you are not one. This implies that saying you failed the test because you consumed drugs overseas may be a defense, although the burden would still be on you to prove that this was the case.

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  • Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat.
    – Willeke ♦
    Commented Apr 10, 2021 at 1:06
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In addition to staying away from Singapore, the one topic that hasn't been touched is extradition.

Most countries with extradition agreements with Singapore only cover things seen as major crimes, and a marijuana offence would not fall under that category, but Malaysia is an example where they will extradite for anything carrying more than a 6-month sentence, so it's possible if you went to Malaysia you could be apprehended and taken back to Singapore. This would require that you actually be charged with a crime in Singapore and it's not clear from your question that this has actually happened yet.

A lawyer would not be a bad idea if you believe you have been charged with a crime in Singapore and wish to travel to other countries where you may face threat of extradition. We also don't know your home country, so this would also apply if your home country has permissive extradition arrangements with Singapore.

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  • Do not forget Brunei....
    – lalala
    Commented Apr 11, 2021 at 15:27
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    @lalala It was only an example. For a comprehensive review, this is why the lawyer.
    – J...
    Commented Apr 11, 2021 at 15:28
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Hire a Singaporean lawyer experienced in drug offences and ideally migration, and ask them what their advice is. I don't think this website is a good place to seek legal advice over something so serious!

Edit: I suggest you contact a lawyer from outside Singapore, and recommend that you do not enter Singapore unless you are advised that you will be able to without risk of arrest.

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    You'll definitely want that lawyer if you ever want to come back to Singapore, but you don't need a lawyer to tell you it would be a bad idea to return without one...
    – lambshaanxy
    Commented Apr 10, 2021 at 12:54
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    @lambshaanxy I believe it is better to follow up with this now. I mean otherwise you need to check all flights all the time, cheapest flight to australia... ah no, transit in singapore.... accident in Indonesia, insurance suggesting to get you for special treatment to Singapore.... ah no. So its good to know if you have to avoid the place. Also Malaysia and Brunei seem to recognize Singapore arrest warrents.
    – lalala
    Commented Apr 11, 2021 at 15:26

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