Does Singapore's death penalty deter drug crime?

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  Unexpected Elements from the BBC World Service.

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  Hello, I'm Katya Adler from the BBC World Service.

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  This is the global story.

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  Singapore has some of the harshest drug laws in the world.

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  Penalties for trafficking illegal narcotics include decades in prison, even a death sentence.

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  Nobody can take one's life except for God.

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  That's why I believe in that.

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  Citizens of Singapore face consequences even if they're found to have consumed drugs abroad.

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  The government argues this zero tolerance policy, including for cannabis, is an effective deterrent.

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  If you can convince me or anyone can convince me that removing death penalties saves more lives, we will do it tomorrow.

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  But is it really?

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  And should the death penalty be involved?

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  With me today is Linda Presley, a journalist who makes radio programs and documentaries for the BBC.

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  Hello, Linda.

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  Hi, Katia.

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  You've worked for the BBC for many years and you've made documentaries all over the world.

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  Now, you do have an interest in stories around drugs, but Singapore, I mean, Latin America is something that springs to mind.

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