The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be deploying officers to support the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in monitoring, treating, and rehabilitating individuals who abuse “zombie vape pods.”
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is also working on new regulations to tackle etomidate and similar substances.
When addressing the growing issue of “zombie vape pods” (Kpods) during an interview with local media on Tuesday (July 30), Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam explained that vape pods containing etomidate can cause users to lose self-control and put themselves in dangerous situations, making them act like “the walking dead.”
“Many of the abusers are young people with bright futures, but this drug ruins their lives.”
The government is expected to soon classify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
This would mean mandatory supervision and rehabilitation for users, with repeat offenders potentially facing jail of at least one year. Those caught selling, distributing, or importing the drug could face harsher penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and caning.
Minister Shanmugam said this move is only a temporary measure. MOH is also exploring new legislative tools to better manage the dangers of etomidate and similar substances.
He pointed out that some developed countries have adopted a more relaxed stance on drugs, but that has led to serious consequences. Some critics have argued that Singapore’s laws are too harsh, calling for the legalisation of cannabis and drugs, and even for the abolition of the death penalty.
In response, the minister said that the difference is clear when comparing street safety, crime, and drug-related deaths.
He believes Singaporeans support the government’s tough anti-drug policies, including the death penalty for drug traffickers.
“If we go soft, more young people will die, more crimes will happen, and more lives will be permanently destroyed beyond repair.”
So far in the first half of this year, HSA has detected 28 cases involving “zombie vape pods”, almost triple the 10 cases recorded in the whole of last year. Now, one in every three e-vaporisers tested contains etomidate.
To encourage users to voluntarily dispose of their e-vaporisers and accessories, HSA launched the “Bin the Vape” campaign last Friday (July 25). Vape disposal bins have been placed at 23 community clubs and one Residents’ Network Centre for the public to voluntarily dispose of their devices safely.
