S'porean man & woman arrested after over 100 vapes believed to contain etomidate found in Yishun & Sengkang

Two Singaporeans aged 42 and 31 were arrested on Oct. 30 after more than 100 e-vaporisers and pods suspected to contain etomidate were found in Yishun and Sengkang.

In a news release on Oct. 31, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) said cash amounting to around S$4,924 was also seized.

Around 120 vapes found in Yishun Ring Road

In the first operation that morning, officers acting on a tip-off raided a residential unit near Yishun Ring Road and arrested a 42-year-old man for suspected drug offences.

When officers received no response after identifying themselves, they saw the man in the kitchen and later instructed him to open the door.

Officers retrieved various vape-related items and also around S$3,900 in cash.

They also found about 109 e-vaporiser pods and 11 e-vaporisers believed to contain etomidate in a follow-up search in the rubbish chute connected to the unit.

The man was believed to have thrown the items down the chute.

Eight vape-related items found in Fernvale

In a separate operation that same day, a 31-year-old woman was arrested at a home near Fernvale Lane after CNB officers found six e-vaporiser pods and two e-vaporisers believed to contain etomidate.

They also seized S$1,024 in cash.

Under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, it is an offence to traffic in a controlled drug — including importing, selling or distributing etomidate-laced vapes.

If found guilty, they may face between 3 to 20 years' jail and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane for importing such items.

Sellers and distributors may face up to 10 years' jail and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane.

Those found guilty of abusing etomidate will be issued an NOC of S$700 (for adults).

In addition, they will be required to attend rehabilitation for up to 6 months.

Top photos via Central Narcotics Bureau & Unsplash