SINGAPORE: A man appeared dazed when police officers responding to a call approached him near a lamp post around midnight on Tuesday (Oct 21).
E-vaporisers and e-vaporiser pods were later discovered in the 31-year-old’s car, which was found stationary and positioned against the flow of traffic in Punggol Central.
The police alerted Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officers, who seized two e-vaporisers and 30 e-vaporiser pods, the authority said in a statement on Oct 22.
“Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate, and investigations are ongoing,” HSA said.
Chua Beng Kai Jeremy was hauled to a district court on Oct 22 for allegedly trafficking etomidate-laced vapes, or Kpods. He was handed one charge of etomidate possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Etomidate has been classified as a Class C drug since Sept 1.
“HSA takes a serious view of e-vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers now face stiffer penalties,” the authority said.
For etomidate trafficking, an offender can be jailed for between two and 10 years, and receive between two and five strokes of the cane.
To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape
If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg
- The Straits Times/ANN
