Description

Raw opium is brown, hard like rubber and has a strong smell. When it is cooked, it becomes dark brown or black colour and is called “prepared opium”.


Apparatus for Opium

• In most cases, opium is usually smoked by using opium pipes of different forms. The pipe has a long thick stem with a bowl-shaped head at one end. A small piece of opium is put into the head of the pipe and heated. Smoke is produced and inhaled through the stem of the pipe.


Effects and Dangers

If an abuser tries to stop using opium, his body reacts strongly and he experiences painful withdrawal symptoms:

• Aches and spasms
• Stomach cramps and convulsions
• Shaking and vomiting
• Running nose
• Watery eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea


Penalties

• Illegal traffic, import or export of opium of more than 1200g and containing more than 30g of morphine – DEATH.

• Possession and consumption of opium – up to S$20,000 fine or 10 years imprisonment or BOTH.