26 people caught for vaping offences after raids at entertainment outlets in Singapore
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As part of the Government’s efforts to crack down on vaping, eight enforcement operations were conducted islandwide over the course of a week, from Aug 29 to Sept
PHOTO: ST FILE
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SINGAPORE – Twenty-six people were caught for e-vaporiser-related offences in a series of raids at entertainment outlets between Aug 29 and Sept 6.
More than 30 vaping devices and related components were also seized, the police and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said in a joint statement on Sept 11.
Those caught for e-vaporiser-related offences during the raids, which took place at outlets such as pubs, bars and KTV lounges, were aged between 17 and 44. All 26 were issued fines for these offences.
Another man, aged 23, was arrested for suspected drug consumption.
Eight enforcement operations were conducted islandwide over the course of a week, from Aug 29 to Sept 6.
More than 160 officers from the police, Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and HSA were deployed to conduct checks on over 500 people across 69 public entertainment outlets.
The enforcement operations were part of the Government’s efforts to crack down on vaping.
Since Sept 1, second-time offenders found possessing, using or purchasing e-vaporisers must undergo rehabilitation. Those who do not complete rehabilitation will be prosecuted.
Offenders caught using e-vaporisers for the third time or more will be prosecuted in court and may face a fine of up to $2,000.
Many vapes have been found to be laced with addictive and harmful substances, such as etomidate.
With etomidate classified as a Class C controlled drug since Sept 1, abusers face stiffer penalties, including having to attend rehabilitation for up to six months for a first offence.
Those caught offending a second time will be arrested and investigated by CNB. They will also be subject to mandatory supervision for six months, and this includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
Offenders who do not complete their rehabilitation programmes may be prosecuted in court.
Third-time offenders aged 16 and above will be admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre for treatment and rehabilitation. This will be followed by drug testing and supervision for a year.
Those under 16 will be subject to mandatory supervision in the community for a year.
Those who import etomidate e-vaporisers may face a jail term of up to 20 years and 15 strokes of the cane, while those who sell or distribute them may face up to 10 years of jail time and five strokes of the cane.
