Reports of harsh laws and severe punishments for vejpers are pouring in from around the world. But Singapore is now upping the ante. Big time.
Four people in the country now face the death penalty for illegal smuggling.
Now the risk of punishment is not just about ordinary e-cigarettes, vapes in the vernacular, but largely about its unusual content. The four people were caught smuggling vejp containing cocaine, writes Channelnewsasia magazine.
According to the Singaporean authorities, this is the first time that drugs in this form have been detected in the country.
Two men and two women
The suspects - two men and two women aged 22 to 31, three of whom are nationals and one of unspecified origin - were arrested in a joint operation between the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and Singapore Customs on 27 May. A total of 89 disposable vejps were seized which were later found to contain cocaine.
The cartridges are believed to have been imported from Europe, but the exact country of origin has not been disclosed. The seizure was made during a check of incoming mail and courier parcels.
Risking the death penalty
In Singapore, cocaine is classified as a controlled drug. Anyone caught in possession of more than 30 grams of the substance faces the mandatory death penalty. According to the CNB, the e-cigarettes contained a total of over 27 grams of cocaine, so it may be a long shot that the accused will survive.
The defendants face the "death penalty for importing a controlled substance", if it is later found that the amount of cocaine exceeds 30 grams. All four were remanded in custody after their first court appearance and are due back in court on 28 June.
Tough rules across the board
As Vejpkollen previously reported, the Singapore extremely tough rules against vejpning - both nicotine-free and with nicotine. The government announced in spring 2024 that it is greatly intensifying checks and fines for travelling vejp users.
The fine for carrying a vejp is up to SGD 2,000 (approx. SEK 15,400), and e-cig owners can be fined on the spot. Everything from shopping centres to parks and bars are now strictly monitored. In addition, those found importing, selling or distributing can face much harsher penalties, including imprisonment. Young people caught possessing or using vejp can face anything from suspension to a rice sauna (!).
But - there are degrees even in hell. What is a rice sauna or prison compared to the death penalty?
