Exploring the Different Drug Laws Across Southeast Asia Following Tangaraju Suppiah’s Execution
This morning, Singapore executed Tangaraju Suppiah for his involvement in the trafficking of approximately 1kg of cannabis. The 46-year-old man was found guilty of abetting the crime, though he was not in direct possession of the drugs. He was linked to two phone numbers used to coordinate the drug delivery.
Tangaraju had been on death row since 2018, and his execution, carried out by hanging at 6 AM on April 26, 2023, followed a series of local and international protests against his capital punishment. Singapore’s method of execution, long-drop hanging, ensures an instantaneous neck break by calculating the distance the person falls, based on their body weight and height.
Singapore is known for its strict drug laws, which are enforced in an effort to prevent the country from becoming a hub for trafficking due to its location near the Golden Triangle, a notorious region for drug production. While some parts of the world have decriminalized cannabis use, Singapore has remained firm in maintaining its harsh stance on drugs.
Here’s how Singapore’s neighbours would have handled a similar case:
Singapore
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, individuals trafficking between 330g and 500g of cannabis can face life imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. Those caught with more than 500g of cannabis are subject to the mandatory death penalty by hanging.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, trafficking more than 200g of cannabis is considered a serious crime, with the offender presumed to be trafficking. Until 2018, this offense carried a mandatory death penalty. However, Malaysia has since implemented a moratorium on executions and is in the process of repealing the mandatory death penalty for certain crimes. Trafficking cannabis in Malaysia can still result in the death penalty or 30 to 40 years in prison with caning.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, distributing over 1kg of cannabis can lead to the death penalty via firing squad, life imprisonment, or a prison term of five to 20 years with a fine exceeding 10 billion Rupiah (about S$894,196). The last execution of a drug offender in Indonesia occurred in 2016.
Thailand
Cannabis has been legalized in Thailand, where over 5,000 dispensaries exist, and cannabis-themed cafes are growing in popularity. However, trafficking cannabis is still a criminal offense, with severe penalties for violators.
Vietnam
Cannabis remains illegal in Vietnam, and trafficking large amounts can lead to either a jail term or a death sentence by lethal injection. While law enforcement is generally more lenient regarding recreational use, punishments for serious offenses remain harsh.
Philippines
In the Philippines, possessing or trafficking more than 500g of cannabis leads to life imprisonment and a fine. Although the death penalty was abolished in 2006, the country has faced criticism over extra-judicial killings linked to its war on drugs under the former Duterte administration.
