School, parents on alert after vape peddlers approach primary school pupil

A Primary 4 pupil from Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) was approached by two teenagers who tried to get the child to buy an e-vaporiser.

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

The incident happened on July 25. As the pupil was walking home from school, two older boys made the approach at a zebra crossing along Dover Rise.

The pupil declined the offer and walked away.

FMS (Primary) principal Soh Mei Foong told The Straits Times that the school has reported the incident to the authorities.

She said: "Students were informed of the incident and reminded not to engage with strangers and to inform trusted adults should they be approached by any stranger or suspicious person.

As a precautionary measure, the school will monitor activities in the vicinity of the school premises after school."

Parents had shared details of the incident in various chat groups.

A parent, who gave her name only as Ms Wong, said her daughter in FMS (Secondary) mentioned that students were told at morning assembly on July 28 that a police report had been made.

Ms Wong, 49, said: "I worry for my child's safety because they are young and they probably don't know the consequences of vaping, especially Kpods."

Kpods are vapes laced with synthetic drugs such as etomidate. Abusing etomidate through vaping can lead to muscle spasms, respiratory depression and psychosis.

Parents in the chat groups called for adults to look out for strangers near the school premises.

Ms Wong said: "Parents who pick up their kids after school can be an 'extra pair of eyes', to ensure the students are safe."