No criminal records for young vape users who give themselves up or are turned in by parents

They will be led through tailored routes to help them rehabilitate and kick the habit

- Judith Tan

Young vape users who give themselves up and those turned in by their parents for using drug-laced devices, such as KPods, will not be given any offence records.

Instead, they will be led through tailored routes to help them rehabilitate and kick the habit, Coordinating Minister for Social Policies Ong Ye Kung told reporters at a media conference on Aug 28.

KPods are vape juice mixed with etomidate, an intravenous agent used for the induction of general anaesthesia that is not meant to be inhaled.

First-time etomidate abusers who are under 18 years old will be fined $500, while adults will be fined $700. They will also have to attend rehabilitation for up to six months.

Those caught inhaling etomidate for the second time will be arrested and investigated by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) under the Misuse of Drugs Act. There will be statement taking and urine testing.

They will also be under six months of mandatory supervision, including drug testing and rehabilitation.

Offenders who do not complete the rehabilitation programmes will be prosecuted in court.