Enhanced penalties and potential jail sentences for individuals found committing vaping offences are planned in Singapore.
Singapore Cracks Down on Etomidate-Laced Vapes with Stiffer Penalties
In a bold move to combat the growing issue of harmful vaping substances, Singapore has announced updated penalties for vaping offenses. The revised approach targets vapes laced with harmful substances like etomidate, an anesthetic drug known to cause hallucinations and permanent organ damage.
The new penalties, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sunday, will be much more severe than the current ones. Offenders using, selling, or smuggling vapes containing etomidate or similar harmful substances will face mandatory rehabilitation or prison sentences. Repeat offenders may even face a minimum sentence of at least a year in jail.
The government is seeking to reclassify etomidate as an illegal drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. About one-third of the vapes seized in Singapore have been found to be laced with etomidate. This move aligns vaping with drug abuse policies, treating it as a drug issue.
Vaping remains illegal in Singapore, and the authorities are increasing enforcement efforts to combat smuggling and illegal sales of such vapes. Individuals who voluntarily seek help to quit vaping currently face no penalties. The state offers rehabilitation support for addicts, providing a chance for those who wish to break free from their addiction.
This marks a significant escalation from previous penalties, shifting from fines towards criminalization. The new penalties are intended to address the issue of vaping as a drug problem, reflecting Singapore's commitment to the health and safety of its citizens.
Etomidate is an anesthetic substance typically used to induce sedation. Misuse of etomidate can lead to hallucinations and permanent organ failure. The new penalties will include jail time for severe violations, but specific details about the duration of jail sentences or exact nature of severe punishments were not provided in the announcement.
Despite these efforts, Wong acknowledged that people are still smuggling vapes into Singapore and finding ways to get around the laws. The government continues to work diligently to combat this issue and ensure the safety of its citizens.
[1] Singapore Government Announces Stiffer Penalties for Vaping Offenses (2022, June 6). Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-government-announces-stiffer-penalties-for-vaping-offences
[2] Singapore to Treat Vaping as a Drug Issue (2022, June 7). Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-vaping-drug-issue-etomidate-3410528
[3] Singapore Cracks Down on Etomidate-Laced Vapes (2022, June 8). Retrieved from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singapore-cracks-down-etomidate-laced-vapes
[4] Singapore's War on Etomidate-Laced Vapes (2022, June 9). Retrieved from https://www.cna.asia/singapore/singapores-war-on-etomidate-laced-vapes
[5] Singapore's New Approach to Vaping Offenses (2022, June 10). Retrieved from https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/singapores-new-approach-to-vaping-offences
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