Singapore Deploys Over 5,000 Officers to Enforce Stricter Vaping Laws
Singapore has nearly doubled its enforcement force to crack down on vaping, with more than 5,000 frontline officers now authorized to take action against e-vaporizer users. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on Monday (Sep 9) that officers from agencies like the Central Narcotics Bureau and Land Transport Authority have joined the effort.
This strengthened enforcement is part of a comprehensive response against vaping, particularly targeting devices containing harmful substances like etomidate. Harsher penalties for vaping offenses came into force on September 1st, with etomidate, an anesthetic agent found in some vapes (known as “Kpods”), now listed as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Since the new laws took effect, 232 people have been caught for vaping-related offenses and fined on the spot. At least 14 of these individuals were confirmed to be in possession of vapes laced with etomidate. Under the new regime, etomidate abusers are required to attend rehabilitation programs for up to six months instead of facing initial prosecution. Those who fail to complete the program or are caught vaping for a third time will be prosecuted in court, facing fines up to S$2,000.
The first case of trafficking in etomidate-containing vapes was also charged on the same day, with a 40-year-old Singaporean man facing one charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The enhanced penalties for trafficking etomidate e-vaporizers can range from three to 20 years’ imprisonment and caning.
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