Two youths with no prior history of drug use died after consuming methamphetamine, also known as Ice, at a home, a coroner’s inquiry heard on Jan 20.
According to proceedings reported by The Straits Times, a young man was found dead in his bedroom in a three-storey house, while a young woman he had invited over was later pronounced dead after being found unconscious in another room.
Due to a gag order, the identities, ages and addresses of those involved cannot be disclosed. However, Lianhe Zaobao reported that the male was 18 and the female was 16.
Police found the young man lying motionless in his bedroom, with rigor mortis beginning to set in. He had sustained blunt injuries to his head and face. White powdery substances, green capsules and vaping devices were found near his body.
In another bedroom, officers found the young woman unconscious together with a third person. She was taken to Changi General Hospital, where she died later the same day. Police did not disclose who discovered them or the identity and condition of the third person.
Investigators said they were unable to establish whether the two youths knew each other before the incident. They did not appear to share mutual friends, and police could not confirm that they had met prior to that day.
Despite the injuries found on the man, police said there was no evidence of foul play. Autopsies revealed that both youths had voluntarily consumed Ice, which was detected in their systems.
Text messages showed that the young man had obtained an unknown amount of Ice and intended to sell it. He invited the young woman to his home to take the drug together. Messages indicated that both had never used drugs before and were discussing how to consume it.
The man booked a private-hire vehicle to bring the woman to his home, where they subsequently consumed the drug.
Police said the man’s injuries were consistent with known effects of methamphetamine, which can cause extreme agitation and uncontrolled movements during intense euphoria, explaining how the injuries could have occurred without another person’s involvement.
An autopsy confirmed fatal levels of Ice and amphetamines in the man’s body. The woman’s autopsy also detected Ice and ketamine, though it was unclear whether the quantity found was fatal. The coroner has directed investigators to obtain further clarification on the exact cause of her death. No date has been set for the final findings.
Authorities said that while Singapore’s overall drug situation remains stable, drug abuse among youths is an increasing concern. Arrests of first-time drug users under the age of 20 rose by 38 per cent, with methamphetamine remaining the most commonly abused drug in 2024.
