Overview

• A two‑week series of joint raids at 151 nightlife outlets caught 195 people for vape offences and seized more than 340 devices, with 11 pods from six individuals testing positive for etomidate.
• First‑time etomidate and vape offenders must undergo a 3–6 month rehabilitation programme at IMH’s National Addictions Management Service, with weekly counselling, group sessions and medical tests, and non‑compliance may lead to prosecution.
• Second‑time offenders will be arrested and placed under six months of mandatory supervision with drug testing, while third‑time offenders aged 16 and above will be admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
• Fines rise from Sept 1 to $500 for those under 18 and $700 for adults for possession or consumption, and suppliers face up to 20 years’ jail and 15 strokes of the cane for importing Kpods, with up to 10 years and five strokes for selling or distributing.
• NUS is adopting a zero‑tolerance policy with increased patrols, referrals to authorities and sanctions ranging from hostel eviction to suspension, even as club security tightens and journalists still observe discreet vaping at popular venues.