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...