Caning for Kpod suppliers, rehab for vape abusers in S’pore among stiffer measures from Sept 1

From Sept 1, up to 15 strokes of the cane and a maximum of 20 years’ jail can be meted out to suppliers of Kpods, or e-vaporisers filled with etomidate, to tackle the vaping scourge here.

First-time etomidate abusers below 18 years old will be fined $500 while adults will be fined $700. This is a $200 increase for each group.

They must also attend mandatory rehabilitation for up to six months.

These were among the measures announced on Aug 28 by Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and Education Minister Desmond Lee during a media conference on the Government’s efforts to tackle vaping.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua were also present at the conference at the National Press Centre.

Responding to a query from The Straits Times on why the enhanced measures were being enforced now, Mr Shanmugam said the Government had noticed an increase in the abuse of vapes.

He said: “It’s not yet a problem that’s out of control, but we see it as an increasing problem and we don’t want to wait until it goes out of control, so we are moving in early.”

From Sept 1, those who import Kpods will face between three and 20 years’ jail and between five and 15 strokes of the cane.

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.

Currently, those caught importing, selling or distributing Kpods are prosecuted under the Poisons Act and do not face caning. They can be fined up to $10,000 and jailed for up to two years.

As an interim measure, etomidate – an anaesthetic agent currently under the Poisons Act – will be classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act from Sept 1 to Feb 28, 2026. This will also apply to several modified versions of etomidate.

Mr Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security, said this provides a six-month window to study how etomidate or any other harmful substances can be used through vapes.

Mr Ong, who is also Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, said the vaping landscape had changed.

He said: “Vapes have become a delivery device... and vapes have become a gateway for very serious substance abuse.”

He called the enhancement of penalties a rapid escalation, noting how second-time etomidate abusers can be arrested and face six months of mandatory supervision, drug testing and rehabilitation.

Kpod users caught for the third time or more will be detained in a Drug Rehabilitation Centre for treatment. They must undergo drug testing and supervision for a year.

Those under 16 years old will face mandatory supervision and drug testing for a year.

Mr Ong said a third of vapers in Singapore are under 18 years old, while more than half are below 30 years old.

He added that 80 per cent of etomidate abusers are under 30.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) told ST that on average, about 3,100 students annually were caught vaping from 2022 to 2024 in primary and secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute.

About 800 students from institutes of higher learning (IHLs) were caught annually during that period. 

Vaping has been banned here since 2018, but the rise of etomidate-laced vapes has alarmed the authorities.

Mr Ong said: “The public has been very supportive in taking a clear stand against something that is harmful and wrong. The media – and I will especially recognise The Straits Times – has mounted a very effective campaign that raised the awareness of the harm of vapes, especially etomidate vapes.”

Powers of arrest

The enhanced penalties come after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the National Day Rally on Aug 17 that vaping will be treated as a drug issue.

Those caught using vapes without etomidate more than once must attend rehabilitation for up to three months.

Offenders caught three or more times will face prosecution and be fined up to $2,000.

Officers from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will be given powers of arrest to perform the same role as officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau when investigating cases linked to etomidate abuse.

Other agencies, including the Ministry of Manpower and Land Transport Authority, will be empowered to seize vapes and issue fines.

Mr Shanmugam said several hundred officers have been seconded or are helping to support HSA’s enforcement operations.

From Sept 1, some offences will be added to the Organised Crime Act, the Online Criminal Harms Act and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.

These laws are typically reserved for major crimes linked to syndicates, such as terrorism and money laundering.

The changes mean the authorities can seize crime proceeds from vape sales as they could be linked to organised crime.

Vaping in schools

While spot checks and enforcement are already being conducted in schools and IHLs, Mr Lee said MOE will enhance education in schools and increase its outreach to parents.

Currently, MOE provides nicotine test kits and/or metal detectors to schools that need help to tackle vaping.

MOE is working with HSA to test new technology, like vape detectors, to see if more tools can be made available to schools.

Under the enhanced laws announced on Aug 28, students caught vaping in schools will face enhanced penalties, including being sent for counselling, having their conduct grade adjusted and being suspended.

For those in IHLs, offenders can face withdrawal of leadership opportunities, overseas exchange programmes and scholarships, and be evicted from their hostels. Repeat offenders can be expelled from their courses.

Said Mr Lee: “Our schools will also update parents on the measures that MOE is taking and work with our parents to support our children through this journey, while maintaining open communication and trust.”

Civil servants or public officers caught for vaping-related offences will face disciplinary action on top of the announced punishments. This could include additional fines, demotions or dismissal from service.

Uniformed officers who are regulars from the Home Team and the Singapore Armed Forces who commit vaping-related offences can be demoted or dismissed, and fined. National servicemen can face detention.

QuitVape

Through a national programme called QuitVape, those using Kpods can seek help from the Institute of Mental Health, We Care Community Services, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and Fei Yue Community Services.

More information on vaping can be found at gov.sg/stopvaping, a microsite launched on Aug 18 to consolidate resources, helplines and reporting avenues.

Those who voluntarily seek help will not be penalised even after Sept 1.

On tackling suppliers, Mr Shanmugam called the peddling of Kpods a “cynical” crime.

He said: “They make money. They want to make money and profit from the misery of other people. They are peddling misery.

“I think they need to be dealt with harshly.”

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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