Opium
Description
Raw 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 Opium
In 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 Effects
If 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
Penalties
Illegal 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.