First man charged over Kpod possession under Misuse of Drugs Act taken back to scene of arrest (UAT 2)

The first person to be charged with possessing etomidate vapes after the law was enhanced was taken on Sept 12 to an Ang Mo Kio flat where he had been arrested earlier.

Singaporean Derek Khor Boon Chun, 40, had been charged on Sept 8 with etomidate possession for the purpose of trafficking under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA).

On Sept 8, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said that on Sept 6, the police were alerted to a man behaving suspiciously at Block 631 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4.

When they arrived, officers found Khor with an e-vaporiser and pod. Checks of his mobile phone revealed that he was allegedly involved in vape trafficking.

A search of his vehicle uncovered around 50 vapes and components, including pods, which were sent to HSA and tested positive for etomidate.

When he was charged, it was reported that he had 43 vape pods on him.

On Sept 12, Khor, who was in leg and arm restraints, was escorted by HSA and security officers to Block 631.

He arrived at about 4.05pm in an unmarked grey van and was taken by officers to the sixth floor of the block. The group spent about 15 minutes there before leaving in the van.

HSA’s chief executive officer, Adjunct Professor Raymond Chua, thanked members of the public for partnering HSA to keep Singapore safe and vape-free by reporting suspicious activities.

He said in a statement to the media: “As illustrated in this case, the prompt reporting of suspicious activity by the public enabled the authorities to disrupt the illegal supply of e-vaporisers and distribution of harmful controlled drugs like etomidate.”

Khor’s case will be mentioned again on Sept 15.

Etomidate was previously regulated under the Poisons Act.

On Aug 28, the Government announced new measures and stiffer penalties to tackle the vaping scourge, especially Kpods.

From Sept 1, those who import Kpods will face between three and 20 years’ jail and between five and 15 strokes of the cane.

Under the MDA, etomidate abusers face a maximum of 10 years’ jail and a $20,000 fine for illegal possession and use.

Khor faces between two and 10 years’ jail and two to five strokes of the cane if convicted of possessing etomidate for trafficking.

To report vaping-related offences, call the HSA hotline on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 9pm daily, including public holidays. Reports can also be made online at www.go.gov.sg/reportvape

If you have a story to share about vapes, e-mail us at [email protected]

Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

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