OpiumDescriptionRaw 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 OpiumIn 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.
The EffectsIf 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
PenaltiesIllegal 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.