SINGAPORE — An assistant professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS) was charged with vape and drug offences on Tuesday (Feb 27).

Jevdic Dorde, 39, has been suspended from work since August 2023, a spokesperson from NUS told CNA on Thursday.

The Serbian national was handed three charges: For consuming a cannabinol derivative called 11-Nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid around early August 2023; for possessing drug utensils at a unit in Clementi Road on Aug 4, 2023; and for possessing a vape device containing a cannabinol derivative in the form of tetrahydrocannabinol.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is a Class A Controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act while 11-Nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid is listed under the Fourth Schedule of the same Act.

The drug utensils Jevdic allegedly had in his possession were four straws, a rubber tube and a glass utensil.

Jevdic is represented by Mr Gino Hardial Singh from Abbots Chambers.

He indicated at his charging that he would be pleading guilty.

He was offered bail of S$15,000 and is set to return to court in March.

According to Jevdic's LinkedIn page, he has been an assistant professor at NUS since June 2018. He was listed as from the department of computer science under NUS' School of Computing before his profile was taken down. 

In its response to CNA, NUS said Jevdic will be subject to the university's internal disciplinary processes pending court proceedings.

"All NUS staff are expected to hold themselves up to high standards of professional and personal conduct, including abiding by the laws and regulations of Singapore," said the spokesperson.

If convicted of consuming a drug in the fourth schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act, he could be jailed for between one and 10 years, or fined up to S$20,000, or both.

For possessing drug utensils, he could be jailed for up to three years, fined up to S$10,000, or both.

For possessing a Class A controlled drug, he faces up to 10 years' jail, a fine of S$20,000, or both. CNA