32 Held for Suspected Kpod Abuse as New Measures Kick In

232 Nabbed for Vape-Related Offences During First Week of Enhanced Anti-Vaping Laws

- Andrew Wong

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 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).