Ex-drug abuser finally turns his life around after 40

TNP PHOTO: Gary Goh

Mr Chua Hai Leong, 52, has been part of the drug statistics for most of his life.

The below-20 age group, 20-to-29 group, the 30-to-39 group and, before he kicked the habit in late 2000, the 40-and-older group.

The oldest group of drug abusers arrested has gone up sharply, according to figures released by the Central Narcotics Bureau.

In the first half of last year, 754 drug abusers arrested were at least 40 years old. But in the same period this year, 826 were arrested, an increase of 72 cases.

Thankfully for Mr Chua, a 18-month rehabilitation programme at Breakthrough Missions halfway house in late 2000 turned his life around.