Overview

• Major regulatory bodies say more than 100 people are under investigation for vape-related offences, with around 65 cases involving etomidate-laced Kpods.
• Eighteen individuals have been charged under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act for selling or importing e-vaporisers, and five people face court proceedings over etomidate-laced devices.
• Authorities plan to reclassify etomidate as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, enabling penalties of up to 20 years’ jail and caning for major distributors.
• A 19-year-old teenager was charged after authorities seized three alleged etomidate-laced Kpods from his Potong Pasir flat in March, illustrating ongoing prosecutions.
• The HSA has formalized cooperation with Hong Kong’s Department of Health through an MOU and expanded public hotlines and media campaigns to encourage reporting and non-punitive support for users.