Singapore is escalating its enforcement against the use of vaping devices, particularly those containing a substance known as etomidate, with stricter penalties taking effect. The government is responding to a concerning trend of these devices being used to consume the anesthetic agent.
Authorities report that etomidate, a medical anesthetic, is increasingly being mixed into vaping liquids. Recent tests on confiscated products indicated a significant portion contained this substance. The drug, sometimes referred to online as “Kpods,” has been promoted as being difficult to detect in standard screenings.
In a significant legal shift, etomidate has been reclassified from a controlled poison to a Class C controlled drug. This change brings much harsher consequences for its possession and use. Penalties for individuals caught with these laced vapes now include substantial fines and mandatory rehabilitation programs. Repeat offenders risk facing imprisonment for up to a decade.
The penalties for trafficking are even more severe. Those convicted of importing or selling these products could receive prison sentences ranging from several years to two decades, and may also be subject to caning.
The crackdown is partly driven by concerns over youth usage. Officials note that a large proportion of vapers are under the age of 30, with a significant number being minors. In response, schools are being equipped with detection kits, and students found vaping face serious disciplinary measures, including potential expulsion.
The new regulations apply equally to foreign nationals, who risk deportation and a ban from re-entering the country if convicted. Enhanced warnings and disposal facilities are being implemented at entry points like Changi Airport to inform international travelers of the stringent laws. The government has characterized the vaping trend as a potential gateway to more serious substance abuse issues.
