Kpodemic in Singapore: Two 'zombie' kids spotted in Taman Jurong
Two young suspected Kpod users were caught on camera in Taman Jurong.
Stomper SanKing shared a video of what he described as a "zombie act" near his block on Aug 9.
"On my way to the S11 Food House at Yung Sheng Road, I saw two young boys - one in white, one in black," recounted the Stomper.
"At first, I thought one had difficulty walking, but then I realised they were vaping.
"Kpods came to mind instantly. So young, yet already destroying their health - and their future."
Kpods are e-cigarettes containing vape juice mixed with ingredients such as etomidate, which is regulated under the Poisons Act. Etomidate has clinical use as an anaesthetic, permitted only in clinical settings and under strict conditions.
Symptoms of etomidate overdose include unsteadiness, sluggishness and mental confusion.
Kpods have become such a problem that the issue was addressed at the National Day Rally on Aug 17.
In his speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the Government will take much tougher action against vaping and treat it as a drug issue with stiffer penalties.
Despite vapes being banned in Singapore, he said people are still smuggling them in and finding ways to get around the law.
"Many of these vapes are laced with addictive and harmful substances like etomidate," said PM Wong.
"So, the vapes themselves are just the delivery devices. The real danger is what is inside.
"Right now, it is etomidate. In the future, it could be something worse - stronger or far more dangerous drugs."
Vaping has been banned in Singapore since 2018 and, under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.
But imposing a fine is no longer enough.
PM Wong said: "We will treat this as a drug issue, and impose much stiffer penalties. That means jail sentences and more severe punishments for those who sell vapes with harmful substances."
