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Singapore has fired a warning shot to vapers, announcing stricter penalties for those caught using drug-laced vapes. The city-state, known for its zero-tolerance drug policies, will introduce harsher fines, longer jail terms, and the possibility of caning. Even foreign residents may face deportation under these new regulations.

 

Despite a vaping ban in place since 2018, the country has seen a surge in illegal vapes infused with etomidate, an anaesthetic with effects likened to ketamine. These "Kpods" have sparked concern as videos of erratic behaviour linked to vaping circulate online.

 

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung emphasised the necessity of the crackdown, stating that vapes have transformed into "delivery devices" for drugs. In response, penalties are set to increase, with etomidate reclassified as a Class C controlled drug, effective from 1 September.

 

Individuals caught with regular vapes face initial fines of 12,200 Thai baht, plus compulsory rehabilitation, while those with drug-laced vapes encounter harsher consequences. Suppliers of these vapes could receive up to 20 years in jail accompanied by 15 strokes of the cane, reported BBC.

 

Foreigners also face significant risks, including revocation of permits, deportation, and a potential ban on re-entering Singapore. Tourists are not exempt, with Changi Airport set to display reminders of the vaping ban, alongside disposal bins for devices.

 

The city-state's firm stance highlights its commitment to upholding its strict anti-drug laws amid rising concerns around drug abuse linked to vaping.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-29

 

On 8/29/2025 at 6:58 AM, webfact said:

Even foreign residents may face deportation under these new regulations.

Does that mean that local residents will face deportation? To where?

I’ve traveled to Singapore many many times. It’s the only place I’ve been where the customs form stated “bringing illegal drugs into Singapore can/will result in death”. They don’t mess around there. Never witnessed a bar fight or someone exceedingly drunk. Very nice place to visit. I’m sure the threat of the cane will deter some folks from vaping. Just my opinion. 

On 8/29/2025 at 6:58 AM, webfact said:

Singapore has fired a warning shot to vapers, announcing stricter penalties for those caught using drug-laced vapes

Great news.

 

Bring it on Singapore. 

 

Comply or face corporal punishment. 

 

Singapore must be the most boring country in the world. Typical they would ban anything that people want to do.

Primitive laws. 

9 minutes ago, quake said:

Primitive laws. 

But they work,

not like the namby-pamby slap on the wrist that many western countries regard as punishment.

Anyone else remember the 

    Suspected 

    Hippie

    In

    Transit

stamp in the passport?

 

Be forewarned, Malaysia uses the whippin' stick too.

https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Terengganu:-42-year-old-man-to-be-caned-for-'proximity'-to-a-woman-61963.html