32 people caught for suspected Kpod abuse after new measures kicked in on Sept 1
Source: Straits Times
Article Date: 10 Sep 2025
Author: Andrew Wong
Those caught with vapes have been issued fines, while devices suspected of containing etomidate have been sent for testing.
The first week following sweeping changes to anti-vaping laws has seen the authorities apprehend 32 people across Singapore for suspected abuse of etomidate.
In total, the authorities caught 232 people for vape-related offences between Sept 1 and Sept 7, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said late on Sept 8.
Those caught with vapes have been issued fines, while devices suspected of containing etomidate have been sent for testing.
Ongoing laboratory tests have so far confirmed 14 people to be in possession of Kpods. Seven results have returned negative, while the results for 11 others are still pending.
The ministry said that three abusers have been served notices to attend rehabilitation for up to six months.
“In line with the enhanced enforcement regime, etomidate abusers are required to attend rehabilitation in lieu of prosecution,” an MOH spokesperson said, adding that the rehabilitation programme will focus on education, counselling, and support to help individuals overcome their addiction.
In a Facebook post, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, said that the first alleged etomidate trafficker was charged on Sept 8 under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).
Derek Khor Boon Chun, 40, was charged with trafficking after he was caught while allegedly in possession of 43 e-vaporiser pods laced with etomidate.
He was caught at a carpark in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 on Sept 6.
Etomidate was classified as a Class C controlled drug under the MDA on Sept 1. If convicted, traffickers can be sentenced to between two years and 10 years of imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane.
MOH said that to strengthen enforcement action, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has authorised more than 5,000 front-line enforcement officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau, Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore Prison Service and public transport operators to take such action against e-vaporiser users.
This almost doubles the enforcement force, which comprises officers from HSA, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, Ministry of Education, National Environment Agency, National Parks Board, Singapore Customs and Singapore Police Force.
The ministry said that the Bin The Vape initiative, which ran from July 25 to Aug 31, has seen members of the public dispose of an estimated total of 6,000 e-vaporisers and related components, which is equivalent to six full bins.
These devices will be prepared for incineration for proper destruction under supervision.
MOH said disposal bins will continue to be made available at selected locations, including at border checkpoints, and where QuitVape and rehabilitation programmes are offered.
The Government had in August announced stepped-up enforcement measures to tackle the vape scourge, which has seen a record number of devices seized since a ban on vaping was introduced in 2018.
In his National Day Rally speech on Aug 17, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Singapore will treat vaping as a drug issue.
A sweeping slate of penalties, including caning and up to 20 years’ jail for those caught supplying etomidate, was then announced on Aug 28 by Mr Ong, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Education Minister Desmond Lee, who is also Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.
From Sept 1, medical practitioners in both public and private practice are legally required to report suspected etomidate abusers to the authorities within seven days.
Public healthcare institutions had reported nearly 50 suspected cases of etomidate abuse between July 9 and Aug 18.
From Sept 1, those who import Kpods will face between three years’ and 20 years’ jail, and between five strokes and 15 strokes of the cane under the MDA.
Those convicted of selling or distributing Kpods will face between two and 10 years’ jail and receive between two and five strokes of the cane.
First-time etomidate abusers will face an increased fine of $700 for those 18 and above, or $500 for those below 18. They will also be required to attend rehabilitation for up to six months.
Those caught a second time will have to undergo mandatory supervision for six months, which will include drug testing and rehabilitation.
Kpod abusers who are aged 16 and above, and caught for the third time or more will undergo a 12-month regime – which includes treatment in a drug rehabilitation centre followed by drug testing and supervision.
Those under 16 years old will face mandatory supervision and drug testing for a year.
MOH said Kpod users seeking help to quit their addiction can go through a national programme called QuitVape, which will link them up with the Institute of Mental Health, We Care Community Services, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and Fei Yue Community Services.
Those who voluntarily seek help will not be penalised as the enhanced measure comes into power.
In total, 17 people have contacted the agencies for help to quit their abuse of Kpods between Sept 1 and Sept 7, the ministry said, adding that 21 people have also signed up for the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme for vaping.
In his Facebook post, Mr Ong thanked all public agencies and the public for supporting anti-vaping efforts.
More information on vaping can be found at gov.sg/stopvaping, a microsite launched on Aug 18 to consolidate resources, helplines and reporting avenues.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
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