SINGAPORE, Sept 22 — Singaporeans and permanent residents who use drug-laced vapes such as Kpods overseas can be prosecuted as if the offence took place in Singapore, the government has warned, as concerns grow over the spread of drug-laced vaping products in the region.

Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim told Parliament today that the Misuse of Drugs Act has “extraterritorial” powers, meaning “those who abuse drugs overseas will be dealt with as if that offence had been committed in Singapore”, The Straits Times reported.

The rule covers the sedative etomidate, which was classified as a Class C drug on 1 September.

First-time offenders aged 18 and over face a S$700 (RM2,300) fine and up to six months of rehabilitation, while those under 18 can be fined S$500 and required to undergo the same treatment. 

Repeat offenders face six months of mandatory supervision, including regular drug testing and counselling.

For Kpod users aged 16 and over who are caught three times or more, the penalties include a 12-month programme of drug rehabilitation and continued supervision.

Those under 16 will face a year of mandatory supervision and testing.