In hot water for drugs Joseph Schooling will not be allowed to train or compete during National Service.
The former Olympic champion confessed to drug-taking in May when he was on short-term disruption from full-time National Service (NS) to train and participate in the Southeast Asian Games.
The authorities have taken a stern view of Schooling’s drug abuse.
The Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday (Aug 30) that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) “maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse. Service personnel who test positive for drug abuse will be charged and sentenced to the SAF Detention Barracks. Those who are suspected of or confessed to abusing drugs will be placed on an SAF-supervised urine test regime as part of the treatment and rehabilitation process”.
Also, because he consumed drugs, Joseph Schooling will not be allowed to train or compete during National Service.
MINDEF made it plain in its statement.
MINDEF said: “Given his abuse of disruption privileges, PTE Schooling will no longer be eligible for leave or disruption to train or compete while in NS. A formal letter of warning has also been issued to PTE Schooling, informing him of the serious consequences of drug abuse meted out to all SAF personnel, who may be sentenced up to nine months detention in the SAF Detention Barracks.”
National swimmer Amanda Lim was also found to have consumed a controlled drug.
In a statement, Sport Singapore said that the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) had investigated both Schooling and Lim.
At the conclusion of these investigations, Lim was issued a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Following a backlash online, Schooling apologised for his actions, citing “a moment of weakness”.
He said: “I am sorry that my actions have caused hurt to everyone around me, especially to my family and the young fans who look up to me.
“I gave in to a moment of weakness after going through a very tough period of my life. I demonstrated bad judgment and I am sorry.
“I made a mistake and I’m responsible for what I’ve done. I will make amends and right what is wrong. I won’t let you down again.”
Here’s what netizens said on the matter:
Schooling is currently serving his NS, having enlisted in January.
It is an offence to consume drugs in Singapore. Those found guilty of taking a controlled drug such as methamphetamine or “ice”, heroin and cannabis can be jailed for between one and 10 years, or fined an amount not exceeding $20,000, or both.
Those found to have consumed controlled drugs outside Singapore will also be liable for the drug consumption offence.
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