Singapore enforces tough vaping rules as teens face detention, deportation

Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said the Singaporean male was admitted to the center on Nov. 27 for two months under the country's Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), after being caught for etomidate-related offenses on three occasions.

He was the first person to face such detension since etomidate and its analogues were classified as Class C controlled drugs under the MDA.

As reported by The Straits Times, etomidate abusers admitted to a drug rehabilitation center will undergo rehabilitation programmes to address their risk of re-offending. These may include psychology-based correctional programs, family programs, pro-social support programs and religious counseling.

On Nov. 14, Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority revoked the long-term visit pass of a 15-year-old Myanmar national after she was found to be in possession of an e-vaporiser pod containing etomidate during a routine check by police officers.

This is the first case of a foreigner’s long-term immigration facility being revoked owing to the possession of an etomidate e-vaporiser, said MHA and HSA.

Under the enhanced anti-vaping framework that came into force on Sept. 1, foreigners caught in possession of or using etomidate e-vaporizers, or who test positive for etomidate, may have their pass or immigration facility revoked.

They may then be deported and banned from re-entering Singapore.