Image: Reuters
SINGAPORE, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Singapore will impose jail terms of up to 20 years and 15 strokes of the cane on etomidate e-vaporiser importers starting Sept 1, as part of a harsh new crackdown on the growing threat of substance abuse linked to the device.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs said that sellers and distributors will face imprisonment of up to 10 years and five strokes of the cane.
"Individuals found using etomidate e-vaporisers or who test positive for etomidate will no longer be just subject to a fine. They can be subject to rehabilitation, treatment, mandatory supervision and detention,” the ministries stated.
An etomidate e-vapouriser is a vape device infused with etomidate, a powerful anaesthetic currently classified as a controlled substance under the Poisons Act.
From Sept 1, etomidate and its analogues will be classified as Class C controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 (MDA) for a period of six months, pending the MOH’s introduction of more fit-for-purpose legislation.
The ministries said that etomidate e-vaporisers pose serious harm to users - including adverse effects on the brain - and a few cases of unnatural deaths and a fatal accident have been linked to the use of etomidate.
Meanwhile, e-vaporiser offences will be scheduled under the Organised Crime Act 2015, Online Criminal Harms Act 2023, and the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992, to significantly strengthen the actions that can be taken against sellers, smugglers and syndicates.
Offenders found possessing, using, or purchasing any e-vaporisers will be subject to higher penalties from the date.
First-time offenders will be fined S$500 (for those under 18 years old) and S$700 (for adults) - an increase from the current fines of S$300 and S$500, respectively.
Repeat offenders will be required to attend rehabilitation, be prosecuted in court, and may be fined up to S$2,000.
Meanwhile, foreigners found in possession of e-vaporisers will have their devices seized and be fined, while repeat offenders will face more severe consequences.
"Short-Term Visit Pass holders who re-offend will be banned from re-entering Singapore upon departure.
"Those on a long-term pass or immigration facility, such as an Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student’s Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass, or Dependant’s Pass, may also have their pass or immigration facility revoked upon a third offence, and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore thereafter,” the ministries said.
Foreigners caught possessing or using etomidate e-vaporisers, or who test positive for etomidate, may have their pass or immigration facility revoked, and be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.
The ministries added that any appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
At the National Day Rally on Aug 17, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the country will treat vaping as a drug issue, with tougher actions and stiffer penalties to curb the harm it can cause to users. - Bernama
