Stiffer penalties, increased enforcement: 8 highlights of new measures to tackle vaping scourge

SINGAPORE – The Government on Aug 28 announced a slew of measures to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore, especially etomidate-laced vapes, more commonly known as Kpods.

Here are eight highlights of the new measures.

1. Harsher punishments for Kpod suppliers

With the listing of etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Kpod offenders

will be subject to harsher penalties

.

From Sept 1, those caught importing Kpods will face a mandatory minimum three-year jail sentence and five strokes of the cane. More egregious offenders can be jailed for up to 20 years and face up to 15 strokes of the cane.

2. Stricter penalties for Kpod sellers and distributors

Offenders who are caught selling and distributing Kpods will be jailed for a minimum of two years or up to 10 years. They will also get at least two strokes of the cane or up to a maximum of five.

Previously, offenders would be liable for two years’ jail, fined up to $10,000 or both, under the Poisons Act.

3. Tougher fines for Kpod abusers

Those caught consuming and possessing Kpods from Sept 1 will receive bigger fines.

First-time offenders who are under 18 will be fined $500, up from $300 previously. Adult offenders will be fined $700, up from $500.

They will also have to attend a rehabilitation programme for up to six months.

Repeat offenders can be arrested and made to undergo mandatory supervision for six months, which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.

Offenders who do not complete the rehabilitation programmes will be prosecuted in court. 

Those under 16 who are caught for a third time or more will be given mandatory supervision for 12 months, while those aged 16 and above will be detained at a drug rehabilitation centre for treatment and rehabilitation.

4. Tougher fines for vape users

Vape users under 18 will face a fine of $500 from Sept 1. Adults will be fined $700.

Second-time offenders will have to attend a rehabilitation programme for three months.

Subsequent offenders will be prosecuted and fined a maximum of $2,000.

5. Profile of young vape and Kpod users

During the press conference, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that

about one-third of vapers today are under 18, and more than half are below 30

.

Said Mr Ong: “For (Kpod) abusers, the profile is even more stark, about 80 per cent are under 30.”

He added that vapes have blurred the line between cigarette smoking and substance abuse, and that vapes have become a gateway for the latter.

“They picked up vaping thinking it’s not as harmful as cigarettes, and then out of curiosity, coercion or ignorance, they wandered into substance abuse,” he said.

6. More officers empowered to carry out enforcement

To help the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) with enforcement, several hundred officers have been seconded or are assisting with investigations and deterring smuggling activities.

Another 700 officers from the Ministry of Manpower

have also been empowered to take enforcement action against vapers

, said Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash.

7. Disciplinary action and urine testing in schools

To curb vaping among students, Education Minister Desmond Lee said schools have saliva test kits that can detect nicotine.

Those suspected of using Kpods will be sent to HSA for urine testing.

Students caught vaping from Sept 1 will face strict disciplinary action, such as having their conduct grade adjusted, suspension and even dismissal.

8. Rehabilitation of vape and Kpod abusers

Kpod abusers can approach the Institute of Mental Health, We Care Community Services, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and Fei Yue Community Services to kick their addiction.

Those who wish to quit vaping can seek help at the Health Promotion Board’s QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.

Abusers who voluntarily seek help will not face any penalties nor have an offence record.