Does Singapore execute people for just one kilogram of cannabis?

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Singapore Executes Individuals for Cannabis Trafficking, Including Cases Involving Approximately One Kilogram

Singapore has executed individuals for drug trafficking offenses, including the case of Tangaraju Suppiah, who was executed on April 26, 2023, for trafficking approximately one kilogram of cannabis. This execution took place at Changi prison, the designated site for all post-independence executions in the nation.
Severity of Punishment for Cannabis Offenses

The execution of Tangaraju Suppiah for cannabis trafficking raises questions about the proportionality of the death penalty for this specific substance, particularly in a global context where numerous countries are moving towards legalization. Globally, very few nations, even those with stringent drug laws like the United Arab Emirates and China, impose capital punishment for cannabis-related offenses. Historically, executions for cannabis trafficking are also rarely documented.
Rationale for Deterrence and Its Application

The primary justification often cited for the death penalty in drug trafficking cases is its deterrent effect, based on the premise that drugs cause significant harm to society. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that recreational cannabis use is deadly, which is a key reason for its increasing legalization worldwide. The logic of imposing the death penalty for selling a drug that does not demonstrably cause fatalities is questioned, with lengthy prison sentences appearing to be a more fitting alternative if the violation of law is the primary concern.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations

It has been observed that individuals from vulnerable and impoverished backgrounds, such as Tangaraju Suppiah, an ethnic Indian man from a poor background, appear to be disproportionately represented among those executed for drug offenses in Singapore. This observation leads to questioning why high-ranking individuals involved in serious drug trafficking are not the ones facing execution if the objective is to deter significant drug-related crimes. The muted public outcry surrounding such cases is also noted as surprising, potentially due to the difficulty many find in comprehending such severe sentences.

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Does Singapore execute people for just one kilogram of cannabis?

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