Hello, this is the Global News podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Alex Ritson with your weekly bonus from the Global Story,

which brings you a single story with depth and insight from the BBC's best journalists.

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Here's my colleague Kacha Adler.

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

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

Nobody can take one's life except for God. That's why I believe in that.

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

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

If you can convince me or anyone can convince me that removing death penalties saves more lives,

we will do it tomorrow.

But is it really? And should the death penalty be involved?

With me today is Linda Presley, a journalist who makes radio programs and documentaries

for the BBC.

Hello, Linda.

Hi, Katia.

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

world.

Now, you do have an interest in stories around drugs, but Singapore,

...