Kpodemic in S'pore: Sleepy army boy on bus and stumbling teen on train assisting with investigations
It is becoming like an epidemic.
More and more people are seen in public behaving like they are under the influence of vapes laced with etomidate, also known as Kpod.
Stompers Jeff and Randy alerted Stomp to a video showing a sleepy-looking young man in army camouflage uniform who appeared to be using an e-vaporiser at the back of a public bus.
Jeff commented: "Detention barracks, here he comes."
In response to a Stomp query, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is looking into the video.
"The individual has been identified and was placed in SAF custody to assist with investigations," said the ministry.
"The SAF takes a serious view on the possession of and use of e-vaporisers by our service personnel. This is both a matter of military discipline and an offence under national law.
"Service personnel who are caught in possession or use of e-vaporisers will be subject to disciplinary actions. These range from a fine of up to $1,000 for possession or use of e-vaporisers, to detention if the e-vaporisers are laced with controlled substances.
"Besides enforcement, the SAF also undertakes awareness and education efforts, and provides cessation counselling and support. Service personnel are encouraged to speak to their commanders or medical officers if they require help."
In a separate case, another young man was caught on video walking unsteadily on the train and falling on his backside when he tried to alight.
The video was posted on Reddit on July 31 with the title "Kpod boy on MRT?"
On the following day, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) posted an Instagram Story that the 17-year-old train passenger had been identified and found with an e-vaporiser and a pod.
He is assisting with investigations, added HSA.
Stomp recently reported suspected Kpod users spotted in Aljunied, Choa Chu Kang and Serangoon. A man on a bus was found unresponsive and holding an e-cigarette on the evening of July 1.
Under current laws, possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000.
Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.
Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
On July 30, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam announced that the his ministry will second its officers to HSA to assist with enforcement efforts, including the supervision, treatment and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers.
Also, the Home Affairs Ministry will list etomidate as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, while it supports the Health Ministry in deciding on further legislative action to take against Kpod offenders.
Under current laws, etomidate is listed as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act. Listing the substance as a Class C drug means users can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres.
