Summary
Singapore has announced stricter penalties for vaping, especially for those caught with drug-laced vapes. The new rules, which start September 1, include higher fines, longer jail sentences, and caning, with deportation possible for foreigners. This action follows a rise in the use of vapes containing etomidate, an anaesthetic drug, in the country.
Key Facts
- Singapore banned vaping in 2018 but its use continues, especially with drug-laced vapes.
- New penalties include fines from S$500, jail time, and caning.
- Etomidate-laced vapes, also called Kpods, are popular and similar in effect to ketamine.
- Foreigners caught vaping may face deportation and a ban from re-entering Singapore.
- Suppliers of drug-laced vapes can face up to 20 years in jail.
- The new rules will begin on September 1, lasting six months as interim measures.
- Singapore authorities are increasing public awareness through ads and patrols.
- Other countries, like the UK and Australia, have also implemented stricter vaping laws recently.
