3,200 e-vaporisers & components seized in Kaki Bukit, woman, 24 & man, 30, arrested

An industrial unit at Kaki Bukit Road was raided on Jan. 7, 2025, resulting in the seizure of 3,200 e-vaporisers and related components, including e-vaporiser pods.

These were purportedly intended for sale via Telegram, according to a joint press release by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.

The press release further stated that the pods are suspected to contain etomidate — an anaesthetic agent classified as a poison under the Poisons Act and should only be administered under medical supervision.

In addition, two individuals, a 30-year-old Singaporean male and a 24-year-old female foreign national, were arrested at the industrial unit.

A total of 13 mobile phones, 21 cartons and three packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes, five bottles of liquid containing etomidate, and three small packets of substances suspected to be controlled drugs were also discovered at the unit.

The arrests and raid were part of a wider operation against an e-vaporiser distribution network that was uncovered by HSA, which resulted in a total of 8,700 e-vaporisers and related components being seized on Jan. 6 and 7, 2025.

How was operation uncovered?

On Jan. 6, at about 12:30am, ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint directed a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old male Singaporean entering Singapore for enhanced checks.

They uncovered more than 5,500 e-vaporiser components concealed in various parts of the Singapore-registered car.

The man was immediately arrested, and the case was handed over to HSA for further investigations.

HSA’s investigation revealed that the suspect was delivering the e-vaporiser components to the aforementioned industrial unit at Kaki Bukit Road.

All of the three arrested individuals are being investigated for various offences, including cheating offences and the misuse of drugs act.

HSA, Singapore Customs, the SPF, and the Central Narcotics Bureau are jointly conducting the investigations.

Licence is required for the import and sales of etomidate

HSA also issued a reminder to the public that it is an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components.

If convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of up to S$10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to S$20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act.

All prohibited items will be seized and confiscated.

A licence is also required for the import and sales of etomidate.

HSA said it takes a "serious view" on the illegal sales and use of etomidate and will take stern actions against offenders.

Those found to be supplying etomidate-containing pods are also liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or fine up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act.

Top photo via HSA