In a shocking revelation Singaporean Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling was found to have consumed cannabis by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 30) that Schooling had confessed to having consumed cannabis overseas in May.
According MINDEF’s Reply on Follow-up Actions for PTE Joseph Schooling, “The Central Narcotics Bureau has concluded its investigations on PTE Joseph Schooling, and handed over the management of the case to the SAF, as he is a full-time National Serviceman”.
“Urine tests for controlled drugs conducted on PTE Joseph Schooling returned negative”.
However, PTE Schooling confessed to have consumed cannabis overseas in May 2022, when he was on short term disruption from full-time National Service (NS) to train and participate in the Southeast Asian Games.
Following existing protocol, PTE Schooling will be placed on a supervised urine test regime for six months, Mindef said in a release.
All SAF personnel who test positive during this regime will be charged and sentenced accordingly.
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, mindef added.
I AM SORRY
“I am sorry that my actions have caused hurt to everyone around me,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 30).
This is his statement in full :
“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.”
Amanda Lim
Sport Singapore (SportSG) said in a separate statement that Schooling, 27, and fellow national swimmer Amanda Lim were investigated by CNB for possible offences related to the consumption of cannabis.
Lim, 29, has been issued a stern warning by CNB under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
“Lim and Schooling are presently national carded athletes, and receive support from SportSG in that capacity,” said the agency.
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