Singapore Takes Tough Stance on Vaping Amid Drug-Laced Vape Epidemic
In an effort to combat the rising trend of drug-laced vapes in the country, Singaporean authorities have announced stringent penalties for vaping, including heavier fines, longer jail terms, and even caning. Foreigners could also face deportation for violating the new rules.
Etomidate Epidemic Sparks Alarm in Singapore
Despite being one of the first countries to ban vaping in 2018, Singapore has seen a surge in the use of vapes laced with etomidate, an anaesthetic drug. This alarming trend has raised concerns in a nation known for its strict drug laws.
Kpods: The Dangerous Trend Sweeping Singapore
Etomidate-laced vapes, commonly referred to as Kpods, have gained popularity in recent months, with a test revealing that a third of seized vapes contained the drug. Videos of individuals exhibiting erratic behavior while vaping have circulated on social media, causing widespread unease among the public.
Government Implements Stricter Laws
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasized the necessity of harsher penalties for vaping, citing vapes as a gateway to substance abuse. The government has reclassified etomidate as a Class C controlled drug and will enforce the new regulations starting from 1 September.
Penalties for Offenders
Individuals caught using or possessing vapes, including regular ones, will face increased fines and mandatory rehabilitation. Suppliers of drug-laced vapes could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane. Foreigners risk deportation and permit revocation for violating the laws.
Crackdown on Vaping
Authorities have launched a comprehensive public health campaign and enforcement efforts to combat the vaping epidemic. Vape disposal bins have been placed in strategic locations, and roving patrols conduct spot checks on individuals. Increased checks at entry points into Singapore aim to curb the influx of vapes from neighboring countries.
Global Efforts to Curb Vaping
Singapore’s crackdown on vaping aligns with a global trend of stricter regulations to deter youth vaping. Countries like the UK and Australia have implemented bans on certain types of vapes to address the growing public health concern.
