HSA seeks Kpod investigators to arrest abusers, conduct anti-trafficking ops
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Health Sciences Authority officers counting vaping devices seized during a raid for suspected vape distribution on June 23.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Follow topic:
- HSA seeks investigators for Kpods via job listings posted around Aug 12 on LinkedIn and Careers@Gov.
- Roles involve arresting Kpod abusers, surveillance of import/trafficking, Interpol collaboration and preventative education for youth.
- MOH requested MHA's help to tackle Kpod scourge; MHA will assist with enforcement, supervision, treatment and rehabilitation.
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SINGAPORE – The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has advertised job openings for investigators specifically to crack down on etomidate-laced e-vaporisers, also known as Kpods.
According to the listings on LinkedIn and the Careers@Gov job portal, HSA is looking for full-time investigators and senior investigators who will be part of a team responsible for a range of challenging enforcement activities to safeguard public health.
These include arresting Kpod abusers, conducting surveillance operations for possible importing, peddling and trafficking offences involving Kpods, and collaborating with international police organisations such as Interpol.
The investigators will also be expected to conduct preventative education talks for youth, relevant stakeholders and organisations, said the job listings posted around Aug 12.
There have been more than 100 applications submitted via LinkedIn.
Applications for the roles close on Aug 24.
Salary details were not mentioned in the listings.
The Straits Times has contacted HSA for more information.
The listings come after the Ministry of Health (MOH) asked the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for help in tackling the Kpod scourge.
On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said his ministry will second its officers to HSA
Aside from enforcement, they will also help in the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of abusers.
The authorities are still working to list etomidate as a Class C drug
MHA is expected to do so in the coming weeks as an interim measure while MOH continues to study further legislative action.
If etomidate is listed as a Class C drug, abusers can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres, similar to what drug abusers undergo.
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
Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.
