Latest news with #MisuseOfDrugsAct
CNA
2 hours ago
- Health
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - #TalkBack: What else can be done to stem the vaping problem, especially if drugs could be involved?
Those who abuse K-pods could soon face harsher penalties, including mandatory rehabilitation and jail time. Authorities are working to list the substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak with Dr Steve Yang, Consultant Respiratory Physician at The Respiratory Practice, and Adjunct Assistant Professor Clive Tan, Senior Consultant at the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and Public Health Specialist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Plans to list etomidate as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung, China denies link to espionage group: Singapore live news
Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Find out more about Typhoon Wipha, which was later downgraded to a severe tropical storm. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: China denies link to espionage group accused of attacking Singapore critical infrastructure The Chinese embassy in Singapore has refuted claims that an espionage group accused of performing cyberattacks on Singapore's critical infrastructure was linked to China. In a Facebook post published over the weekend, the Chinese embassy said such claims were "groundless smears and accusations". "The embassy would like to reiterate that China is firmly against and cracks down all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. China does not encourage, support or condone hacking activities," it wrote on Saturday (19 July). MOH, MHA working to list etomidate as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. SCDF rescues 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower Two workers were rescued after the gondola they were on tipped over and was suspended almost vertically outside Raffles City Tower on Monday (21 July). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it responded to the height rescue incident, between the 28th and 29th floors of the building, at about 11.20am. Both workers were assessed by a paramedic and taken to Raffles Hospital in a stable condition, SCDF added. A Raffles City Singapore spokesperson said initial checks showed that both workers did not have any injuries. The workers, who were employed by the building's contractor, were carrying out routine facade resealant works when there was a sudden change in weather at 11.20am. An immediate stop-work order was issued. But while the gondola was being retracted, it tilted to one side. Joint Singapore-Malaysia emergency response exercise on Tuas Second Link on Wednesday Motorists using the Tuas Second Link, take note. There will be a joint Singapore-Malaysia chemical spill emergency response exercise on Wednesday (23 July) from 5am to 2pm. In a statement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said, "During the period of the exercise, all three lanes on the Singapore to Malaysia-bound carriageway on the Tuas Second Link will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists travelling towards Malaysia will be diverted to a lane on the opposite carriageway instead. Motorists should plan their journey in advance and closely follow the traffic marshals' directions on site. "Where possible, motorists are advised to avoid the Tuas Second Link when the exercise is ongoing and use the Woodlands Checkpoint during this period. Motorists are also advised to tune in to the Singapore radio stations for traffic updates." "The exercise will simulate the emergency response to a multi-vehicle collision along the Tuas Second Link involving trucks carrying chemicals. The public is advised not to be alarmed," the NEA added. ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who threw relative's wheelchair out of taxi Taxi operator ComfortDelGro said it will discipline one of its drivers, after an incident involving the driver appearing to forcefully dump a passenger's wheelchair on a pavement on 18 July. Responding to media queries, a spokesperson said on Sunday (20 July) that the company has launched an investigation into the matter. The spokesperson noted the driver's actions were 'unacceptable and do not reflect the professional standards we uphold'. In an updated statement, ComfortDelGro said the incident arose from a personal dispute between the driver and two family members she was ferrying. Find out more about what happened with the ComfortDelGro taxi. Typhoon Wipha causes damage, disrupt flights, before weakening to severe tropical storm Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph. The Chinese embassy in Singapore has refuted claims that an espionage group accused of performing cyberattacks on Singapore's critical infrastructure was linked to China. In a Facebook post published over the weekend, the Chinese embassy said such claims were "groundless smears and accusations". "The embassy would like to reiterate that China is firmly against and cracks down all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with law. China does not encourage, support or condone hacking activities," it wrote on Saturday (19 July). Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. SCDF rescues 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower Two workers were rescued after the gondola they were on tipped over and was suspended almost vertically outside Raffles City Tower on Monday (21 July). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it responded to the height rescue incident, between the 28th and 29th floors of the building, at about 11.20am. Both workers were assessed by a paramedic and taken to Raffles Hospital in a stable condition, SCDF added. A Raffles City Singapore spokesperson said initial checks showed that both workers did not have any injuries. The workers, who were employed by the building's contractor, were carrying out routine facade resealant works when there was a sudden change in weather at 11.20am. An immediate stop-work order was issued. But while the gondola was being retracted, it tilted to one side. Two workers were rescued after the gondola they were on tipped over and was suspended almost vertically outside Raffles City Tower on Monday (21 July). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it responded to the height rescue incident, between the 28th and 29th floors of the building, at about 11.20am. Both workers were assessed by a paramedic and taken to Raffles Hospital in a stable condition, SCDF added. A Raffles City Singapore spokesperson said initial checks showed that both workers did not have any injuries. The workers, who were employed by the building's contractor, were carrying out routine facade resealant works when there was a sudden change in weather at 11.20am. An immediate stop-work order was issued. But while the gondola was being retracted, it tilted to one side. Joint Singapore-Malaysia emergency response exercise on Tuas Second Link on Wednesday Motorists using the Tuas Second Link, take note. There will be a joint Singapore-Malaysia chemical spill emergency response exercise on Wednesday (23 July) from 5am to 2pm. In a statement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said, "During the period of the exercise, all three lanes on the Singapore to Malaysia-bound carriageway on the Tuas Second Link will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists travelling towards Malaysia will be diverted to a lane on the opposite carriageway instead. Motorists should plan their journey in advance and closely follow the traffic marshals' directions on site. "Where possible, motorists are advised to avoid the Tuas Second Link when the exercise is ongoing and use the Woodlands Checkpoint during this period. Motorists are also advised to tune in to the Singapore radio stations for traffic updates." "The exercise will simulate the emergency response to a multi-vehicle collision along the Tuas Second Link involving trucks carrying chemicals. The public is advised not to be alarmed," the NEA added. Motorists using the Tuas Second Link, take note. There will be a joint Singapore-Malaysia chemical spill emergency response exercise on Wednesday (23 July) from 5am to 2pm. In a statement, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said, "During the period of the exercise, all three lanes on the Singapore to Malaysia-bound carriageway on the Tuas Second Link will be closed to vehicular traffic. Motorists travelling towards Malaysia will be diverted to a lane on the opposite carriageway instead. Motorists should plan their journey in advance and closely follow the traffic marshals' directions on site. "Where possible, motorists are advised to avoid the Tuas Second Link when the exercise is ongoing and use the Woodlands Checkpoint during this period. Motorists are also advised to tune in to the Singapore radio stations for traffic updates." "The exercise will simulate the emergency response to a multi-vehicle collision along the Tuas Second Link involving trucks carrying chemicals. The public is advised not to be alarmed," the NEA added. ComfortDelGro to discipline driver who threw relative's wheelchair out of taxi Taxi operator ComfortDelGro said it will discipline one of its drivers, after an incident involving the driver appearing to forcefully dump a passenger's wheelchair on a pavement on 18 July. Responding to media queries, a spokesperson said on Sunday (20 July) that the company has launched an investigation into the matter. The spokesperson noted the driver's actions were 'unacceptable and do not reflect the professional standards we uphold'. In an updated statement, ComfortDelGro said the incident arose from a personal dispute between the driver and two family members she was ferrying. Find out more about what happened with the ComfortDelGro taxi. Taxi operator ComfortDelGro said it will discipline one of its drivers, after an incident involving the driver appearing to forcefully dump a passenger's wheelchair on a pavement on 18 July. Responding to media queries, a spokesperson said on Sunday (20 July) that the company has launched an investigation into the matter. The spokesperson noted the driver's actions were 'unacceptable and do not reflect the professional standards we uphold'. In an updated statement, ComfortDelGro said the incident arose from a personal dispute between the driver and two family members she was ferrying. Find out more about what happened with the ComfortDelGro taxi. Typhoon Wipha causes damage, disrupt flights, before weakening to severe tropical storm Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph. Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Plans to list etomidate as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung, Typhoon Wipha causes major flight disruptions: Singapore live news
Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Find out more about Typhoon Wipha, which was later downgraded to a severe tropical storm. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: MOH, MHA working to list etomidate as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. Typhoon Wipha causes damage, disrupt flights, before weakening to severe tropical storm Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph. Singapore's Health and Home Affairs Ministries are working to list etomidate, which is being abused via e-vaporisers, under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Sunday (20 July). This paves the way for abusers and traffickers of Kpods – vapes containing etomidate – to be treated in the same way as those who abuse or traffic drugs like nimetazepam (Erimin-5), with mandatory rehabilitation and jail time for repeat offenders. Currently, etomidate is listed under the Poisons Act. Under this law, abusers face only a fine. Sellers face possible jail time of up to two years. Ong said this will be done in the coming weeks. He added that it will be an interim measure until further changes can be made to the law to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore. Read more about why there are plans to list etomidate under the MDA. Typhoon Wipha causes damage, disrupt flights, before weakening to severe tropical storm Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph. Typhoon Wipha toppled trees and caused major flight disruptions Sunday (20 July) in Hong Kong and at some nearby airports in China as it moved west off the southern coast of the country. Earlier on Sunday morning, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a hurricane signal No. 10, its highest warning. Airports in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and the casino hub of Macao canceled or postponed flights for most of the day, according to their websites. Hong Kong grounded at least 400 flights, affecting around 80,000 passengers, broadcaster RTHK said. Some high-speed train services were also suspended. The typhoon stayed just offshore until about 6 pm, when it made landfall in a coastal area of Taishan city in Guangdong province, China's National Meteorological Center said. It then weakened to a severe tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of 108 kph.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung
SINGAPORE - As an interim measure to tackle the vaping scourge in Singapore, the Health Ministry is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to list etomidate - a drug used in vapes - under the Misuse of Drugs Act, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on July 20. He added that vapes seized by the authorities have shown that one in three vapes contain etomidate, a psychoactive substance that can cause hallucinations and organ damage. Listing etomidate under the Misuse of Drugs Act means those who possess, abuse or sell vapes with etomidate may soon be treated the same way as those found with drugs like cannabis. This will pave the way for harsher penalties for abusers, including mandatory rehabilitation, and jail time for repeat offenders. Etomidate's use is currently regulated under the Poisons Act, which carries lighter penalties for users. Speaking on the sidelines of the grand opening of a dog run in Sembawang on July 20, Mr Ong said the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Home Affairs to do this in the coming weeks. The Health Sciences Authority will also be extending the hours for its reporting hotline. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13. Mr Ong praised the initiative, saying it was a useful campaign to raise awareness. When ST launched the campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, several Telegram channels selling vapes became significantly less active. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the vape scourge. Of particular concern is the rise of etomidate-laced vapes, also known as Kpods. Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent and is classified as a poison under the Poisons Act. It was designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and was never meant to be inhaled directly into the lungs. When vaped, it can trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and psychosis. Kpods have reportedly been pushed in Singapore by organised crime groups, with local authorities now intensifying crackdowns. Public healthcare institutions have also been told to record all Kpod cases. Possessing, using or buying vapes carries a maximum fine of $2,000. Anyone who distributes, imports or sells vapes and their components can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000. Those found in possession of or using pods containing etomidate can be jailed for up to two years and fined up to $10,000. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
BreakingNews.ie
25-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (20s) charged after gardaí seize 3D-printed pistol in Dublin
A man in his 20s has been charged after a 3D-printed pistol was seized in Dublin. It comes after gardaí arrested a man and seized a firearm in the Inchicore area of the city on Tuesday night. Advertisement Gardaí described the weapon as a .22 calibre pistol. However, it is understood that the weapon is similar to other 3D-printed firearms. While on routine patrol along Turvey Avenue in Inchicore at approximately 8pm on Tuesday night, uniformed gardaí from Kilmainham station stopped a taxi after observing 'two males of interest' entering the vehicle. Gardaí said they smelled cannabis and informed both men they were going to be searched under the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Advertisement One of the men was found to be wearing a ballistic vest and in possession of a substantial sum of money, a statement from An Garda Síochána said. As he was being searched, gardaí said a .22 calibre pistol fell from being concealed in the ballistic vest. That man, aged in his 20s, was arrested in connection with the seizure and was detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Dublin Garda station. He was then charged and is scheduled to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice on Thursday, June 26th, at 10.30am. Advertisement The firearm is scheduled to go under a full technical examination. In the course of a follow-up operation on Wednesday, gardaí conducted a search of a residential property in Dublin's inner city. A second male, aged in his 20s, was arrested during the operation. Ireland Cork father of three (56) died after wasp stings,... Read More He is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, at a Garda station in the Dublin region. Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: 'I want to acknowledge and commend the work of two uniform members of An Garda Síochána yesterday evening going about their duties diligently and proactively. Advertisement 'This was a timely intervention likely to have saved lives or prevented serious injury and is another dangerous firearm which has been taken off the streets of Dublin.'.
