Singapore Tightens Vape Laws: Caning, Fines and Deportations in Etomidate-Laced Vape Crackdown
Singapore introduces harsher penalties, including caning, prison terms and deportation for drug-laced vape offences as authorities battle the rise of etomidate-infused devices.
Singaporean authorities have announced tougher penalties for vaping in response to a surge in etomidate-laced e-cigarettes, commonly called Kpods. From 1 September, penalties include caning, prison sentences, hefty fines and deportation for foreign offenders.
Rising Concern Over Drug-Laced Vapes
Recent tests on seized devices found that one in three contained etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic. Viral videos showing erratic public behaviour have heightened public alarm, prompting a strong government response.
New Penalties from September 1
- First-time vaping offenders face fines from S$500 and mandatory rehabilitation.
- Possession of etomidate-laced devices carries up to 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane.
- Foreign workers risk permit revocation, deportation and a ban on re-entry.
- Tourists must surrender devices at Changi Airport’s disposal bins to avoid penalties.
Enforcement and Public Campaign
The interim six-month measures include heightened checks at land crossings, roving patrols on public transport, and a public health campaign with signage, vape disposal bins and school education programmes.
Authorities warn that modified vapes have become delivery vehicles for serious substance abuse, necessitating stringent controls.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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