SINGAPORE — The city-state has executed eight drug traffickers since March, including two men hanged on Tuesday, sparking criticism from international human rights groups for the country’s authorities’ alleged zero-tolerance approach to drug crimes .
In Singapore, drug trafficking in excess of a certain amount is punishable by death, but in some cases judges can impose life sentences. For heroin, this amount is about half an ounce. For marijuana, it’s just over 1 pound. Authorities in Singapore say the harsh penalties deter drug crime and help prevent major drug syndicates from establishing themselves in the country.
