The Singapore CNB (Central Narcotic Bureau) announced in September 2011 that the the 5% drop per year, which they often proudly proclaimed as proof of the effectiveness of their tough drug stance, was totally inaccurate. Arrests it seems have actually increased since 2008 contradicting Singapore’s assertion that being tough on drugs (even with mandatory death sentences) has ever been effective.

From January to June 2011 there was a 20% increase in arrests compared to the previous year. This not only indicates that drugs are entering Singapore but also that the amount of people in Singapore using drugs is steadily and surely increasing. 

This isn’t just a problem Singapore can claim is due to chronic drug users, as a large percentage of those being arrested are first time users -- 41% in 2008, 45% in 2009 and 46% in 2010. This clearly shows that threats of caning, harsh prison sentences and even death does nothing to deter either 'chronic users' or 'first time users'.

The government has promised to "look at the problem afresh and comprehensively", but they've also pledged to maintain Singapore’s 'zero-tolerance policy'. So no change there then, which is what we've come to expect from people who's livelihood depends on an historically failed and dangerous policy.

Due to the embarrassment this has caused to the Singapore authorities, the original article from this link... has recently been removed. Kindly google: Central Narcotics Bureau blames under-reporting of statistics on migration to new computer system in 2008