DRUG REHABILITATION CENTRE
In another case, a 16-year-old Singaporean boy was on Nov 27 admitted to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) for two months after he was caught for etomidate-related offences on three occasions.
He is the first etomidate abuser to be sent to the DRC since it was classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act on Sep 1.
HSA first caught the boy in possession of a regular vape on Sep 4.
On Oct 2, he was caught at his residence with vapes that were tested to contain etomidate. This constituted his first etomidate-related offence, the authorities said.
He reoffended and was arrested for possession and consumption of etomidate on Oct 11 at his residence.
His third etomidate-related offence was on Oct 23, when he was arrested after being found slurring and behaving abnormally in a private-hire vehicle.
“Etomidate abusers admitted to the DRC will undergo rehabilitation programmes to address their risk of re-offending,” said MHA and HSA.
“These programmes may include psychology-based correctional programmes, family programmes, pro-social support programmes and religious counselling.”
After discharge from the DRC, they will undergo regular drug tests and supervision in the community. The total duration of rehabilitation in the DRC and subsequent community supervision is 12 months.
Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will face much stiffer penalties. This includes three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.
Source: CNA
