2 S'pore women, aged 23 & 17, arrested after allegedly supplying Kpods to suspected etomidate abuser

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) charged three people, Vernette Heng Cui Teng, Amir Shah s/o Anwar Shah, and a 17-year-old, in court on Oct. 4, 2025, for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vape pods.

HSA had been investigating a suspected male etomidate abuser on Oct. 2, 2025, and from there tracked down two of his alleged suppliers.

They then seized 64 vapes and related components suspected to contain etomidate from Heng's residence. Separately, they also seized 16 vapes and related components suspected to contain etomidate from the 17-year-old's residence.

Further investigations led HSA officers to 27-year-old Amir Shah, who allegedly supplied etomidate pods to the 17-year-old girl and another etomidate abuser via Telegram.

Four vapes and related components suspected of containing etomidate were seized from his residence.

Investigations are ongoing.

The case for the 17-year-old was adjourned to Oct. 13, 2025, and the cases for Heng and Amir Shah were adjourned to Oct. 24, 2025.

HSA says it takes a serious view of such offences.

Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers will also face much stiffer penalties.

This includes three to 20 years’ imprisonment and five to 15 strokes of the cane for imports, and two to 10 years’ imprisonment and two to five strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.

According to CNA, one of the bail conditions for the 17-year-old is a requirement for her to continue attending school.

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