24 vapes & 19 pods found in home of 41-year-old man charged with trafficking Kpods
A 41-year-old man has been charged with the trafficking of e-vaporiser pods containing etomidate, also known as Kpods.
Ho Joo Hong was allegedly caught dealing in the illegal items at a staircase landing of a Bukit Batok HDB block, said the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in a press release on Tuesday (22 Sept).
Source: Health Sciences Authority
Kpods found in residence allegedly intended for supply
On 13 Sept, Ho was allegedly caught making transactions with two other individuals at the block.
When Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officers subsequently searched his residence, they seized 24 vapes and 19 pods, which were allegedly intended to be supplied to users.
Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate.
Source: Health Sciences Authority
Man charged with trafficking Kpods on 15 Sept
On 15 Sept, Ho was charged in court with the alleged trafficking of Kpods, and remanded for a week to assist with further investigations.
His case was heard in court again on Tuesday. According to information posted on the SG Courts website, he appeared at the State Courts at 9am.
Source: SG Courts
He was offered bail of S$20,000, with his case set for further mention on 3 Nov.
The two suspects he was allegedly caught dealing with are assisting with investigations.
Up to 10 years’ jail and caning for Kpod trafficking
HSA said it takes “a serious view” of vape and Kpod trafficking offences.
Under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) — which was renamed from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 on 1 May — etomidate and its analogues are listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances.
This means those convicted of selling and distributing Kpods face between two and 10 years in prison and between two and five strokes of the cane.
Meanwhile, importers may be jailed for three to 20 years and receive five to 15 strokes of the cane.
Also read: 5 men charged with trafficking Kpods, including driver found with 12,415 in his vehicle
5 men charged with trafficking Kpods, including driver found with 12,415 in his vehicle
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Featured image adapted from Health Sciences Authority.
