Singapore to increase fines, threaten caning
for vape users
Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Singapore on Thursday introduced higher fees and the threat of caning as punishments for vaping in an effort to crack down on the use of drug-laced vapes.
The increased penalties will take effect on Sept. 1, the same day that Singapore will classify 15 etomidate -- an anaesthetic agent found in Kpods, or vapes laced with drugs -- will be reclassified as a Class C drugs.
The new penalties will increase fines for people younger than 18 caught using non-drug-laced vapes for the first time from about $233 to roughly $389, while fines for people older than 18 will increase from about $389 to approximately $545.
A second offense will carry a penalty of three months in rehab, with the threat of prosecution for failing to attend, while a third offense will result in prosecution and potential fine of up to about $1,559.
The Ministry of Health and of Home Affairs said the new penalties will include caning, fines starting at $300 for people younger than 18 and $500 older than 18, alongside longer jail terms if caught vaping and required rehabilitation.
Kpod users face the same penalties, along with the potential to be prosecuted and fined up to nearly $7,800 a two-year jail sentence or both.
Drug-laced vape suppliers will face up to 15 strokes of the cane and 20 years in jail.
Foreigners and tourists will also face the same penalties, but may also be deported from the country.
Singapore initially banned vaping in 2018, but is introducing the new penalties to combat the rising use of Kpods.
"Vapes have become a gateway for very serious substance abuse," said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung when he introduced the new laws.
Kung also said during a press conference that 80% of etomidate abusers are younger than 30.
"Being largely young and probably ignorant, we think they are different from hardcore drug abusers, and they may be more open to giving up," he said.
Other countries such as the U.K., Belgium and Australia have all made stiffer rules on vaping.
