195 people caught for vape-related offences in islandwide raids over 2 weeks, 11 had Kpods
A total of 195 people were caught for vape-related offences at public entertainment outlets such as pubs, bars and KTV lounges islandwide from Aug 15 to 23.
All were fined and more than 340 e-vaporisers and related components seized.
Eleven pods were seized from six people that were subsequently tested to contain etomidate. The six will be investigated for possession of etomidate under the Poisons Act.
Over the course of two weeks, 16 island-wide multi-agency enforcement operations were conducted by all seven Police Land Divisions and Criminal Investigation Department, supported by officers from the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
More than 270 officers from the police, CNB and HSA were deployed to conduct checks on more than 1,600 people across 151 public entertainment outlets.
Nine men, aged 19 to 47, were arrested at public entertainment outlets for being suspected members of unlawful societies.
Two women, aged 35 and 36, were arrested at the public entertainment outlets in Geylang for overstaying and for failure to furnish particulars under the National Registration Act respectively.
A 26-year-old man and 32-year-old woman were arrested after being found to be wanted by the police.
From Sept 1, Kpod or etomidate abusers will face stiffer penalties, including having to attend rehabilitation for up to six months if it is their first offence.
Second-time offenders will be arrested and investigated by CNB. They will be subjected to mandatory supervision for six months which includes drug testing and rehabilitation.
Third-time offenders who are 16 years and above will be admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre for treatment and rehabilitation. They will undergo the rehabilitation programme, and subsequently, undergo drug testing and supervision for 12 months.
Those under 16 years will be subjected to mandatory supervision in the community for 12 months.
