Singapore Government on Aug 28 announced a slew of measures to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore, especially etomidate-laced vapes, more commonly known as Kpods.
To help the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) with enforcement, several hundred officers have been seconded or are assisting with investigations and deterring smuggling activities.
Foreigners on a long-term pass, such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, work permit, Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Dependant’s Pass, may have their pass revoked on a third offence. They could also be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.
Short-Term Visit Pass holders who reoffend will be banned from re-entering Singapore.
Likewise, foreigners caught with etomidate vapes – or Kpods – or those who test positive for the drug, may have their passes revoked, be deported and banned from entering Singapore.
Here are the highlights of the new measures:
VAPE USERS:
- Vape users under 18 years old will face a fine of $500 . Adults will be fined $700.
- Second-time offenders will have to attend a rehabilitation programme for three months;
- Subsequent offenders will be prosecuted and fined a maximum of $2,000.
K-POD ABUSERS (etomidate-laced vapes):
With the listing of etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Kpod offenders will be subject to harsher penalties:
- First offence: users under 18 years old will face a fine of $500 . Adults will be fined $700 and attend a rehabilitation programme for three months;
- Second offence: mandatory supervision for six months, which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
- Third offence: those under 16 years old who are caught for a third time or more will be given mandatory supervision for 12 months, while those aged 16 and above will be detained at a drug rehabilitation centre for treatment and rehabilitation.
PENALTIES FOR K-PODS SELLERS AND DISTRBUTORS:
From Sept 1, those caught importing Kpods will face a mandatory minimum three-year jail sentence and five strokes of the cane. More egregious offenders can be jailed for up to 20 years and face up to 15 strokes of the cane.
