Sri Lankans are increasingly using vapes, also known as e-cigarettes. Like many new trends, it seems the youth of the country are caught up in this latest iteration of the tobacco trend. E-cigarettes/vapes have been around for some time. It has become fashionable and is pushed by their marketers as a ‘chic’ alternative to what modern generations consider are ‘dirty’ conventional cigarettes. A compounding factor is that e-cigarettes/vapes lack a robust regulatory framework, and their side effects are only now being told to the public. 

Earlier this year, during a discussion between the Excise Department and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), ambiguity about the legality of vapes were raised. Some believe that the State has declared the use of e-cigarettes illegal in Sri Lanka, but the reality is far less clear. Furthermore, despite the statement, vapes remain widely available, used openly, and even advertised across social media. The Excise Department has acknowledged that no formal approval had ever been granted for vaping products in Sri Lanka. However, they have said that there was no law at present under which users could be charged. Some countries across the globe have imposed restrictions on vaping products or have banned them partially or entirely from consumer markets. The substances in vaping products may be subject to national and/or international control. UN agencies who track and combat crime, have warned that vapes may be a platform to consume new psychoactive substances (a range of synthetic drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, etc.), and have urged for constant vigilance.

Meanwhile in Singapore, where vaping has also caught on with their youth, authorities moved to impose higher fines for vape users. Singapore also enacted laws to cane those who smuggle in the anesthetic agent etomidate, which have been found to be used to lace vapes used by some. Penalties include stiffer fines, longer jail terms and caning. Foreigners may also be deported, under new legislation. Singapore was one of the first places in the world to ban vaping in 2018. Videos of teenagers and young adults acting erratically in public while vaping have also gone viral on social media in Singapore and Southeast Asia, sparking concerns among Singaporeans who widely support the country’s tough penalties on drug trafficking and use. The Singapore Health Minister said last month that the tougher laws were needed as “vapes have become a gateway for very serious substance abuse” where the devices have become “delivery devices” for drugs. The Singapore Government has sharpened its penalties for vaping, while reclassifying etomidate as a Class C controlled drug for six months. The new rules will come into effect on 1 September. Those caught using or possessing vapes – even regular ones – will face increased fines starting from Singaporean Dollars (S$) 500 and State-mandated rehabilitation. The penalties will be even harsher for those caught with etomidate-laced vapes in Singapore, with suppliers of drug-laced vapes will face up to 20 years in jail and 15 strokes of the cane. According to BBC, foreigners working in Singapore will not only face the same penalties, but also risk getting their residential and employment permits revoked and may be deported and banned from re-entering the country. Apparently, the rules also apply to tourists who visit the city state.

However, Singapore is doing more than just tightening the laws. They are actively working to improve public awareness and build social resilience to the spread of vape use. They have commenced a massive public health campaign and enforcement programme, alongside the stiffer penalties. In recent weeks, the city state has been awash with government advertisements on buses, trains and public areas urging people to stop vaping, while local media outlets have been pushing reports on the issue. Also, vape disposal bins have been placed in community clubs and universities, while an anti-vaping health education programme has been rolled out in schools.

While it is not publicly known if vapes in Sri Lanka have also been found to carry etomidate, it is prudent to screen for such abuse before it becomes a trend and business. Sri Lanka would be wise to see where international health experts stand on this matter and follow Singapore’s example before the issue becomes one that gets out of hand. Diligence and prevention are always better than pursuing a cure.