Cannabis seized this year, consumption reaches pre-COVID levels

The amount of cannabis seized this year has already surpassed last year's, and consumption of the drug is creeping back to pre-COVID levels, Mr Sng said.

The Bureau warned that even though controlled drugs take in their raw form or infused into food products, they are still an offense under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

It added that possession, consumption, trafficking, and production of controlled substances will be subject to strict penalties.

With the borders opening up following the flu, authorities said they are facing more challenges in overseas drug consumption as travel resumes.

Sixty-nine Singaporeans and permanent residents were arrested at various border checkpoints this year for drug offenses, including cannabis abusers.

In the past few years, the laws on the use of cannabis have been relaxed in several countries, most recently in Thailand.

Some restaurants in Thailand use cannabis as ingredients, for example, in pizzas and hotpots, and several tourists have reportedly discovered that their dishes contain only a portion of cannabis after consuming them.

Travellers are advised to be vigilant of the food they consume, as the penalties for containing controlled substances taken overseas could become more common, as travelling picks up around the region.

It cautioned travellers to be aware of the ingredients in the products they bring into Singapore.

If you're buying certain products, make sure you know what they contain, said Mr Sng.