A former faculty member at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has been sentenced to one year in prison for drug-related offenses, highlighting the severe stance Singapore takes against substance abuse. Jevdic Dorde, a 40-year-old from Serbia who served as an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, was found guilty of smoking cannabis and possessing tools used for consuming other illicit substances.
Cannabis Consumption and Related Charges
On December 11, 2023, Dorde was convicted under the Misuse of Drugs Act. He pleaded guilty to two separate charges, with a third charge taken into consideration during sentencing. The charges stemmed from a raid conducted by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on August 4, 2023.
Details of the Raid
- Date and Time: August 4, 2023, just after midnight
- Location: Dorde’s apartment
- Findings:
- Straws
- A rubber tube
- A glass utensil for smoking Ice (a form of crystal methamphetamine)
During the investigation, Dorde disclosed that he had smoked a cannabis joint approximately ten days prior to his arrest, as well as two to three joints on the day itself. Testing confirmed the presence of cannabis in his system.
History of Drug Use
The court revealed that Dorde began consuming cannabis in early 2020, often smoking two to three joints daily, rolled with a mix of cannabis and tobacco. His initiation into cannabis use stemmed from an opportunity he had to try it—reportedly receiving a contact for purchasing the drug.
Reasons for Cannabis Use
In interviews with law enforcement, Dorde attributed his cannabis consumption to:
- A perceived addiction to help him relax.
- Side effects from ADHD medication, including insomnia and heightened irritability.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Deputy Public Prosecutor Cheah Wenjie sought the mandatory minimum sentence of one year for Dorde’s drug use. Conversely, Dorde’s defense highlighted the context of his mental health, presenting a psychiatric report that identified major depression and ADHD. Defense lawyer Gino Hardial Singh argued that Dorde’s cannabis use was a self-medication strategy rather than a clinical addiction.
Potential Impact on Rehabilitation
Singh emphasized that a lengthy prison term could hamper Dorde’s prospects for rehabilitation, given the psychiatrist’s position on his mental health challenges. He mentioned that Dorde’s university employment had already been terminated in light of the charges, reinforcing NUS’s commitment to maintaining high professional standards among its staff.
Consequences for Drug Offenses in Singapore
Under Singaporean law, penalties for drug consumption range widely. For consuming specified drugs, individuals can face imprisonment from one to ten years and fines up to S$20,000. Additionally, possession of drug-related utensils can incur penalties of up to three years in prison or fines of S$10,000. This case serves as a reminder of the stringent drug policies enforced in the country and the implications of drug-related activities.
In summary, the case of Jevdic Dorde underscores the critical need for awareness surrounding drug laws in Singapore and the potential consequences of substance use for individuals in positions of authority, including educators at esteemed institutions like NUS.
