SAF, Home Team step up checks for vapes in military camps, training schools

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Home Team have stepped up their enforcement against e-vaporisers in military camps, bases and training schools.

In a Facebook post on Aug 27, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said these enforcement checks include bag searches for contraband items and unauthorised materials, and also urine testing.

“Service personnel found in possession of e-vaporisers or other prohibited items will be dealt with firmly, and disciplinary actions may include detention,” it said, adding that the possession and use of vapes are in breach of military discipline and are also civil offences.

It added that Mindef and SAF provide counselling and resources to help service personnel quit vaping, encouraging its personnel to contact their commanders or medical officers for assistance.

Pictures accompanying the Facebook post show military police officers going through a cupboard, a car and a bag.

Separately, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a Facebook post on Aug 27 that the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the SPF conducted enhanced checks in training schools at the Home Team Academy and Civil Defence Academy on Aug 24, when trainees reported for their stay-in training. 

“In addition to referring errant officers to the Health Sciences Authority, internal disciplinary action will be taken against them,” they added.

In pictures accompanying the Facebook post, people are seen undergoing bag and body checks.

These efforts follow recent

anti-vaping checks near schools

, at

nightspots

and in the C

entral Business District

.

More than 3,700 people were caught possessing or using vapes

from April to June, the Ministry of Health and the Health Sciences Authority said in a joint statement on Aug 26. This was an increase of almost 20 per cent from the previous quarter.

Also, 19 large-scale vape smuggling cases were detected at Singapore’s land, air and sea checkpoints during the same period, with 90,000 vapes and related products seized. 

The SAF recently

held a man in temporary custody

, following the online circulation of a video of him allegedly using an e-vaporiser while dressed in an army uniform and on board a bus.

The Straits Times understands that he is an SAF national serviceman, and investigations are ongoing.

In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong

flagged vaping as a serious concern

and said the Government would take much tougher action.

On Aug 24, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said etomidate, which is increasingly being abused through e-vaporiser pods and devices,

will be listed as an illegal drug

.

From Sept 1, the anaesthetic agent will be classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) as a Class C drug.

Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice and is currently classified under the Poisons Act.

Once etomidate is reclassified under the MDA, abusers of the substance will face harsher penalties, such as a maximum sentence of 10 years’ jail and a $20,000 fine for illegal possession and use.

Those who traffic in Class C drugs may be jailed for up to 10 years and given five strokes of the cane.

The MDA also provides for supervision and mandatory rehabilitation for such drug addicts.

On Aug 26, a man was sentenced to 16 months’ jail and a $400 fine after he produced etomidate-laced pods for sale to e-vaporiser users. It was Singapore’s

first conviction linked to Kpods

.