Latest news with #Tobacco(ControlofAdvertisementsandSale)Act
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore
Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was found with vapes and various related components in a Housing Board flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22 on Dec 11, 2024. - HSA SINGAPORE: A man who allegedly made drug-laced vapes, or Kpods, at home was charged on Thursday (July 17). The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was manufacturing e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate at home with the intent to sell them. HSA said Akil's case is the first of its kind in Singapore. For making these do-it-yourself Kpods, the 41-year-old Singaporean was handed five charges under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. On Dec 11, 2024, Akil was allegedly found with vapes and various related components in an HDB flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22. These included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components, 1,485 pieces of pod covers and 100 loose e-vaporiser pods, among other items, according to charge sheets. An HSA prosecutor said in court that the authorities were ready with a plea offer for him. Akil, who attended court via video-link, said he understood the charges and wanted to plead guilty to all of them. He said he did not want to hire a lawyer, adding: 'I don't want to waste the court's time.' Akil had earlier been charged with two offences under the Poisons Act for possessing and selling etomidate, a classified poison increasingly detected in vapes. After midnight on Dec 11, 2024, Akil allegedly sold 100 vape pods outside the same HDB flat. These vape pods contained 150ml of liquid, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate, according to charge sheets. Around 5.30am that day at the same location, Akil was allegedly found with 26.4g of white powder, which also contained etomidate. Kpods are a growing cause for concern here. The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement on July 12 that vaping is a serious issue, noting that etomidate may cause adverse effects such as seizures and psychosis. Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and is never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. The ministries said they were looking at tightening the laws around vaping after the increased detection of vapes containing etomidate and other controlled drugs. Akil faces one more charge under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority while applying for a new Singapore passport. He allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag – which contained his NRIC and passport – at a coffee shop, and that his passport was not returned to him. Akil, who has been in remand since June 20, is slated to plead guilty on July 23. To report vaping offences and the sale of vaping devices to the authorities, the public can contact HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch on 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays. - The Straits Times/ANN
International Business Times
3 days ago
- International Business Times
Singapore's First Case: 41-Year-Old Man Charged for Making DIY Kpods at Yishun Residence
A 41-year-old man who allegedly made drug-laced vapes, or Kpods, at home was charged on Thursday, July 17, in Singapore. The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was manufacturing e-vaporizer pods containing etomidate at home with an intention to sell them. According to HSA, Akil's case is the first of its kind in Singapore. The Singaporean man was handed five charges for making these do-it-yourself Kpods under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Last year, Akil was allegedly found with vapes and various related components in an HDB flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22 on December 11. According to charge sheets, these included, among other things, 100 loose e-vaporizer pods, 1,485 pieces of pod covers, 569 pieces of empty pod casings, and 534 pieces of pod components. In court, an HSA prosecutor stated that the authorities were prepared to make him a plea deal. Akil, who appeared in court via video link, stated that he was aware of the charges and wished to enter a guilty plea to each one. However, he didn't t want to hire a lawyer, stating, "I don't want to waste the court's time," as reported by Straits Times. Akil was previously accused of two offenses under the Poisons Act for selling and possessing etomidate, a poison that is increasingly found in vape pens. On December 11, 2024, after midnight, Akil is accused of selling 100 vape pods outside the same HDB apartment. According to charge sheets, the 150 ml of liquid in these vape pods was analyzed and found to contain etomidate. Akil was allegedly discovered in possession of 26.4g of white powder, which also contained etomidate, at the same location at 5:30 am that day. Kpods are a growing cause for concern in Singapore. In a joint statement released on July 12, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that vaping is a serious problem and that etomidate may have negative side effects like psychosis and seizures. Etomidate, which is used in hospitals to make patients drowsy during medical procedures, is never meant to be inhaled; instead, it is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision. It enters the lungs directly when vaped, which can cause seizures, breathing problems, spasms, and even psychosis. Following a rise in the number of vapes found to contain etomidate and other controlled substances, the ministries announced that they were considering stricter regulations regarding vaping. Akil is also charged under the Passports Act with lying to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority when he applied for a new Singaporean passport. On January 20, he allegedly made up the story that he had left his bag, which included his passport and NRIC, at a coffee shop and that his passport had not been given back. Akil is scheduled to enter a guilty plea on July 23. He has been under remand since June 20. The public can call HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 5:30 pm, to report vaping offenses and the sale of vaping devices to the authorities.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Two weeks' jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore
SINGAPORE: A Singaporean man tried to cross Woodlands Checkpoint from Johor Baru in September 2024 with over 1,800 electronic vaporisers and pods hidden in his car boot and bonnet. But the authorities discovered the loot and foiled his plan. Officers from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) then raided his flat and found more vapes and pods from a previous smuggling attempt, which had gone undetected. On July 16, James Wong Jun Jie, 36, was sentenced to two weeks' jail after he admitted to one charge under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Three similar charges were taken into consideration for his sentencing. The court heard that Wong met a man named Raj in 2024 at Mid Valley Southkey, a shopping mall in Johor Baru. Raj asked Wong if he was interested in smuggling vapes and pods from Johor to Singapore, adding that he could earn RM600 (S$181) for a one-way trip. Wong gave it a try on Sept 10, 2024, and brought the illicit items into Singapore without being detected. Two days later, on Sept 12, Wong made his second attempt. He drove to Johor Baru at about 8am, parked his car at Mydin Mall and left to have breakfast. He deliberately left his car unlocked so Raj's workers could load the illegal goods in the boot and bonnet. At about 11am, Wong drove back to Singapore and was asked to stop his vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers discovered 1,086 pods and 732 vapes hidden in his car, and handed the items to HSA for investigations. That night, HSA officers searched Wong's home at a Housing Board block in Sin Ming Road. They found another 1,320 pods and 679 vapes. These were stocks from his first smuggling trip. Wong said he was waiting for Raj to inform him when to deliver them. They had agreed that Wong would drive to an open carpark in Woodlands, leave his vehicle unlocked and return two hours later after the goods had been unloaded. District Judge Wong Li Tein said in response to Wong's mitigation letter, which was not read out in court, that community-based sentences were not appropriate for him. Such sentences, which include a community work order or short detention order, do not result in a criminal record. Judge Wong said: 'The problem of vaping in Singapore is a serious one. So community-based sentences are not suitable.' Wong's case comes on the back of increased enforcement efforts to tackle a looming vape crisis in Singapore. HSA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a joint statement in May that close to 18,000 people were caught between January 2024 and March 2025 for possessing and using e-vaporisers. During that time, HSA seized $41 million worth of vapes – nearly fivefold the reported value seized from 2019 to end-2023, according to numbers compiled by The Straits Times. HSA said in the May statement that it prosecuted 27 offenders for failing to pay their composition fines. It took another 60 people to court for selling e-vaporisers, including two people linked to an e-vaporiser syndicate case that involved more than $5 million worth of the devices. Ivan Sin was fined $16,000 and given 10 months' jail, while Toh Wee Leong was fined $14,000 and given the same jail term. These were the harshest sentences given for smuggling e-vaporisers so far. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis, on July 13 to raise awareness about the issue in Singapore. On July 12, MOH and the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement that they were looking at tightening the laws around vaping after the increased detection of electronic vaporisers containing substances such as etomidate and other controlled drugs. Both ministries described vaping as a serious issue, noting that etomidate, which is classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act, may cause adverse effects like seizures and psychosis. Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim was handed five charges under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. SINGAPORE - A man who allegedly made drug-laced vapes, or Kpods, at home was charged on July 17. Mohammed Akil Abdul Rahim's case is believed to be the first of its kind in Singapore. The Singaporean, 41, was handed five charges under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. On Dec 11, 2024, Akil was found with vapes and various related components in an HDB flat at Block 269B Yishun Street 22. This included 569 pieces of empty pod casings, 534 pieces of pod components, 1,485 pieces of pod covers and 100 loose e-vaporiser pods, among other items, according to charge sheets. The Straits Times understands Akil was manufacturing DIY Kpods at home with these items. A Health Sciences Authority (HSA) prosecutor said in court that they were ready with a plea offer for him. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail Singapore Care model to improve trauma outcome in central S'pore fashioned after 'bicycle wheel' Singapore HSA launches anti-vaping checks near 5 institutes of higher learning Singapore Kpod vapes, zombie kids: Why it's time to raise the alarm Life 11 new entries on Singapore's Bib Gourmand list, including three re-entries at Old Airport Road Singapore 15 under police probe for sharing Singpass credentials used in scams Singapore NEA monitoring E. coli at Sentosa beaches after elevated bacteria levels delay World Aquatics events Life First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa Akil, who attended court via video-link, said he understood his charges and wanted to plead guilty to all of them. He said he did not want to hire a lawyer, adding: 'I don't want to waste the court's time.' Akil had earlier been charged with two offences under the Poisons Act for possessing and selling etomidate, a classified poison increasingly detected in vapes. After midnight on Dec 11, 2024, Akil allegedly sold 100 vape pods outside the same HDB flat. These vape pods contained 150ml of liquid, which was analysed and found to contain etomidate, according to charge sheets. Around 5.30am that day and at the same location, Akil was allegedly found with 26.4 grams of white powder which had etomidate. Kpods are a growing cause for concern here. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on July 12 in a joint statement that vaping is a serious issue, noting that etomidate may cause adverse effects like seizures and psychosis. Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. The ministries said they were looking at tightening the laws around vaping after the increased detection of vapes containing etomidate and other controlled drugs. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis , on July 13 to raise awareness about the issue in Singapore. Members of the public have since spoken up about how Kpods have destroyed their family, harmed their children and even taken their loved ones' lives . Akil faces one more charge under the Passports Act for making a false statement to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority while applying for a new Singapore passport. He had allegedly lied on Jan 20 that he forgot his bag, which contained his NRIC and passport, at a coffeeshop, and that his passport was not returned to him. Akil, who has been remanded since June 20, is slated to plead guilty on July 23. To report vaping offences and the sale of vaping devices to the authorities, the public can contact HSA's Tobacco Regulation Branch at 6684-2036 or 6684-2037 from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays.
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Straits Times
2 weeks' jail for man who tried to smuggle over 1,800 vapes and pods into Singapore
Find out what's new on ST website and app. James Wong Jun Jie was sentenced after he admitted to one charge under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. SINGAPORE – A Singaporean man tried to cross Woodlands Checkpoint from Johor Bahru in September 2024 with over 1,800 vaporisers and pods hidden in his car boot and bonnet. But the authorities discovered the loot and foiled his plan. Officers from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) then raided his flat, and found more vapes and pods from a previous smuggling attempt, which had gone undetected. On July 16, James Wong Jun Jie, 36, was sentenced to two weeks' jail after he admitted to one charge under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Three similar charges were taken into consideration for his sentencing. The court heard that in 2024, Wong met a man named Raj in Mid Valley Southkey, a shopping mall in Johor. Raj asked Wong if he was interested in smuggling vapes and pods from Johor to Singapore, and said he could earn RM600 (S$182) for a one-way trip. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Over 600 Telegram groups in Singapore selling, advertising vapes removed by HSA Singapore Strong argument for cockpit video recording, says Iata chief in wake of Air India crash report Singapore Here comes the sun: Less rain, more warm days in second half of July Asia Former deputy minister seen as surprise front runner for Malaysia's next Chief Justice: Sources Singapore Baby died after mum took abortion pills and gave birth in toilet; coroner records an open verdict Business Tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter Kuok Hui Kwong appointed CEO of Shangri-La Asia Singapore Acute psychiatry services to be expanded across all healthcare clusters: MOH Singapore New network links Home Team psychologists, mental health bodies to boost emergency response Wong gave it a try on Sept 10, 2024, and brought the illicit items into Singapore without being detected. Two days later, on Sept 12, Wong made his second attempt. He drove into Johor at about 8am and parked his car at Mydin Mall before heading off to have breakfast. He deliberately left his car unlocked so that Raj's workers could load the illegal goods into the boot and bonnet. At about 11am, Wong drove back to Singapore, where he was asked to stop his vehicle at Woodlands Checkpoint. Immigration and Checkpoints Authority officers discovered 1,086 pods and 732 vapes hidden in his car, and handed the items to HSA for investigations. That night, HSA officers searched Wong's home at a Housing Board unit along Sin Ming Road. They found another 1,320 pods and 679 vapes. These were stocks from his first smuggling attempt. Wong said he was waiting for Raj to inform him when to deliver them. They had agreed that Wong would drive to an open carpark in Woodlands, leave his vehicle unlocked, and return two hours later after the goods had been unloaded. District Judge Wong Li Tein said in response to Wong's mitigation letter - which was not read out in court - that community-based sentences were not appropriate for him. Such sentences, which include a community work order or short detention order, do not result in a criminal record. The judge said: 'The problem of vaping in Singapore is a serious one. So community-based sentences are not suitable.' Wong's case comes on the back of increased enforcement efforts to tackle a looming vape crisis in Singapore. HSA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a joint statement in May that close to 18,000 people were caught between January 2024 and March 2025 for possessing and using e-vaporisers. During that time, HSA seized $41 million worth of vapes – nearly fivefold the reported value seized from 2019 to end-2023, according to numbers compiled by The Straits Times. HSA said in the May statement that it prosecuted 27 offenders for failing to pay their composition fines. It took another 60 people to court for selling e-vaporisers, including two people linked to an e-vaporiser syndicate case that involved more than $5 million worth of the devices. Ivan Sin was fined $16,000 and given 10 months' jail, while Toh Wee Leong was fined $14,000 and given the same jail term . These were the harshest sentences given for smuggling e-vaporisers so far. ST launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis , on July 13 to raise awareness about the issue in Singapore. On July 12, MOH and the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a joint statement that they were looking at tightening the laws around vaping after the increased detection of electronic vaporisers containing substances such as etomidate and other controlled drugs. Both ministries described vaping as a serious issue, noting that etomidate, which is classified as a poison and regulated under the Poisons Act, may cause adverse effects like seizures and psychosis. Used in hospitals to induce sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is meant to be injected into the veins under clinical supervision and is never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, it enters the lungs directly and may trigger spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis.
