Suspected Kpod trafficker charged after Telok Blangah CNB raid
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More than 400 vape pods believed to contain etomidate and numerous vape-related products were seized during a CNB operation on Sept 10.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
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SINGAPORE – A man has been charged with trafficking vape pods containing etomidate.
Singaporean Tian Jiacheng, 26, was handed two charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Sept 12.
This comes after his arrest on Sept 10 in the first major Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) operation against vaping
He was among eight Singaporeans arrested during the raids in Telok Blangah Rise, Hougang and Boon Lay Drive.
More than 400 vape pods believed to contain etomidate and numerous vape-related products were seized during the operation.
According to charge sheets, Tian allegedly trafficked a Class C controlled drug on Sept 10 by selling a packet containing five vape pods believed to be laced with etomidate to a man named Wong Jun Xiang.
Tian is also accused of handing over two packets of five vape pods believed to contain etomidate to another man, identified in court documents as Muhammad Nuh Noordin, for delivery purposes.
The prosecutor sought a four-week adjournment for Tian’s case, pending a Health Sciences Authority (HSA) report and the completion of investigations.
The prosecutor said that Tian would likely face additional charges, although details were not provided.
Tian was offered bail of $20,000, and his case was adjourned to Oct 13 for a pre-trial conference.
If convicted, traffickers face between two and 10 years’ jail and two to five strokes of the cane.
On Sept 8, Derek Khor Boon Chun, 40, was the first person to be charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act
He was allegedly found with 43 Kpods on him when he was arrested at a carpark in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 on Sept 6.
As at Sept 8, the authorities had arrested 232 people for vape-related offences
First-time etomidate abusers face fines of $700 if aged 18 and above, or $500 if below 18. They must also attend rehabilitation for up to six months.
Those caught a second time will undergo mandatory supervision for six months, which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
Kpod users caught for the third time or more will be detained in a drug rehabilitation centre for treatment.
They must undergo drug testing and supervision for a year.
Those under 16 face mandatory supervision and drug testing for a year.
To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
