Over 100 people under investigation for vape offences, say MOH and HSA

More than 100 people are under investigation for offences involving vapes, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on Aug 14.

In a joint statement, MOH and HSA said 18 individuals are facing charges in court for offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act involving the sale, advertising or import of e-vaporisers.

As at Aug 14, five people have been charged over the sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers. HSA is also investigating about 65 cases involving the possession, sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers.

Another 100 are under investigation for offences involving non-etomidate e-vaporisers under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, said the authorities.

They said: “MOH and HSA have been intensifying enforcement actions against etomidate-laced e-vaporiser offences in Singapore.”

Under the Poisons Act, those convicted of possessing, importing or selling pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and/or fined up to $10,000.

MOH and HSA said etomidate will soon be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Offenders caught using etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders are liable to be prosecuted and subject to jail for at least a year.

More severe penalties apply to those selling, distributing or importing these devices, including imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning.

“Users of e-vaporisers, particularly those consuming etomidate, are strongly urged to cease consumption immediately,” said MOH and HSA.

The increase in enforcement numbers comes after The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign called Vaping: The Invisible Crisis on July 13.

Etomidate is meant for use only during medical procedures. When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.

If etomidate is listed as a Class C drug, abusers can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres, similar to what drug abusers undergo.

Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.

Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.

The measures listed in the MOH-HSA joint statement are among the latest the authorities have taken to tackle the vape scourge in Singapore.

On Aug 13, HSA said it was working with Hong Kong’s Department of Health (DOH) to tackle vaping by exchanging information and expertise with each other. HSA signed a memorandum of understanding with the DOH for cooperation in healthcare regulatory matters involving health products.

Also on Aug 13, ST reported HSA had recently advertised job openings for investigators specifically to crack down on Kpods. As at Aug 14, more than 500 people have applied for the job.

The public can report vaping offences to the Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, or online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

Those who need help to quit vaping can join the Health Promotion Board’s I Quit programme by calling the QuitLine on 1800-438-2000.

The authorities have said those who voluntarily seek support to quit vaping will not face any penalties for doing so.

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

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