Teen charged with possession of vape device containing cannabis-related substance
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Court documents stated that both boys were near Block 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 at around 5pm on Feb 18 when they allegedly trafficked an assortment of drugs.
PHOTO: ST FILE
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- A 17-year-old boy allegedly had a vape device containing a cannabis-related substance in his possession on Feb 18.
- He is also accused of working with another boy to traffic drugs including methamphetamine and cannabis.
- He is expected to plead guilty on Oct 13.
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SINGAPORE – A 17-year-old boy was hauled to a district court on Sept 3 after he allegedly had a vape device containing a cannabis-related substance in his possession on Feb 18.
The teenager and another boy, who was also 17 years old at the time, are also accused of working together that day to traffic drugs, including methamphetamine and cannabis. The latter is now 18 years old.
Both Singaporean boys cannot be named, as those allegedly involved in offences before they turn 18 are protected under the Children and Young Persons Act.
On Sept 3, the younger boy was handed seven charges – vaping-related ones and multiple counts of drug trafficking.
Court documents stated that both boys were near Block 94 Toa Payoh Lorong 4 at around 5pm on Feb 18 when they allegedly trafficked an assortment of drugs.
Among other things, they are accused of having in their possession two packets, which were later found to contain nearly 26.3g of methamphetamine.
The pair also allegedly had with them 25 packets of “vegetable matter” that contained more than 31g of cannabis.
Separately, the younger boy was in a Jurong West Housing Board flat about four hours later when he allegedly had a vape device containing a cannabis-related substance in his possession.
He is expected to plead guilty on Oct 13, while the older boy’s case will be mentioned again in court on Sept 8.
In his National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Government will treat vaping as a drug issue
From Sept 1, anybody caught possessing, using or buying vapes will face higher penalties. Recalcitrant users may be required to undergo rehabilitation.
Vape abusers will face increased fines of $500 for those under 18, and $700 for adults, up from $300 and $500 previously.
Abusers of vapes laced with synthetic drugs like etomidate or ketamine, also known as Kpods, can be subjected to rehabilitation, mandatory supervision and detention.
Sellers of Kpods will face higher penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
On Aug 28, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that young people form the bulk of those caught up in the vaping scourge
Mr Ong said many people, especially the young, had picked up vaping because they believed it was not as harmful as smoking cigarettes. “And then out of curiosity, out of coercion, or out of just ignorance, they wander into substance abuse, which is what we are seeing now for etomidates,” he added.
Etomidate has been known to cause a type of muscle spasm called myoclonus, which patients may describe as tremors. Symptoms of etomidate overdose include unsteadiness, sluggishness and mental confusion.
The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
