Etomidate found in seized vapes; authorities warn of severe health risks and legal consequences
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is investigating a 13-year-old girl and two adults over the possession and sale of vape devices laced with the anesthetic drug etomidate, after the teen was caught behaving erratically outside the State Courts.
OOn April 24, a 13-year-old girl was seen vaping and staggering near Singapore’s State Courts, prompting public concern and a rapid response from the HSA. Authorities later raided her residence, where they seized an e-vaporiser laced with etomidate, a potent anesthetic typically used only under medical supervision.
Etomidate is among the substances found in illicit “Kpods”—drug-laced vapes that mix e-liquids with dangerous compounds such as ketamine or anesthetics.
Seller and Wife Identified and Questioned
Following the seizure, HSA traced the alleged supplier—a 25-year-old man—and conducted a raid at his residence. During the raid, authorities found another e-vaporiser and three pods, all of which tested positive for etomidate. The man’s 26-year-old wife is also assisting with investigations.
All three individuals—the teen, the man, and his wife—are being investigated for multiple offenses under the Poisons Act and the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.
Severe Health Risks from Etomidate
HSA emphasized that etomidate is a powerful drug that must be administered only by medical professionals. Its side effects include vomiting, uncontrollable muscle spasms, respiratory and cardiovascular instability, seizures, psychosis, and even physical dependence.
The use of such compounds in e-vaporisers poses significant risks, particularly to minors who may not understand the dangers of drug-laced vapes sold online or via social networks.
Separate MRT Vaping Incident Under Investigation
In a separate case, a 36-year-old man was caught on video vaping aboard an MRT train on April 18. The footage, widely shared on social media, led HSA to raid his home. Although no devices were found, the man claimed he had disposed of the vape. The case remains under investigation.
Vaping remains illegal in Singapore, and enforcement agencies continue to monitor both offline and digital platforms for violations.
Legal Consequences for Vape and Drug Possession
Under Singapore law, the use, purchase, or possession of e-vaporisers—regardless of whether they’re sourced online or from overseas—is prohibited. Offenders face fines up to SGD $2,000.
Possessing vape pods containing etomidate could trigger charges under the Poisons Act, leading to imprisonment of up to two years, fines up to SGD $10,000, or both.
The incident involving a 13-year-old vaping a drug-laced device has reignited warnings about Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on vaping and drug abuse. With minors, sellers, and even public transit users under investigation, authorities urge greater public vigilance and parental awareness in curbing the spread of dangerous substances disguised as recreational vapes.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025), The New Paper (2025)
Keywords: Etomidate Vaping Case, Teen Vaper Singapore, Kpod Drug Vape, Singapore Vape Ban, HSA Vape Seizure
