Man, 34, charged for allegedly trafficking etomidate-laced vapes in Geylang

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 34-year-old man in court on Mar. 12 for allegedly trafficking etomidate-laced vape pods.

Ben Ng Ee Keong was arrested by HSA officers on Mar. 10 during an enforcement operation in Geylang.

The officers found and seized six vape pods, four bottles of cough syrup, and prescription medicines, including more than 900 tablets, from Ng’s car.

All the seized items were meant for sale to customers at Geylang Lorong 35, HSA said in a press release.

Lab tests confirmed that the seized vape pods contained etomidate, whose side effects include nausea and vomiting, uncontrollable movement or muscle spasm, and psychosis.

Investigations are ongoing, and charges for the alleged supply of cough syrup and prescription medicines are also pending further investigation.

The court case has been adjourned to Apr. 9.

Serious offence

HSA reminded the public that it takes the offences of vape and etomidate trafficking seriously.

From May 1, a new law named the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) will come into force.

Under this new law, etomidate and similar products will be listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS).

As for punishment, importers, sellers, and distributors of etomidate vapes have faced stiffer penalties since Sep. 1, 2025.

Importers can be imprisoned for three to 20 years, and get five to 15 strokes of the cane.

Sellers and distributors face two to 10 years in prison, and two to five strokes of the cane.

Additionally, anyone caught importing, manufacturing, and/or supplying illegal health products may be imprisoned for up to 2 years, fined up to S$50,000, or both, if convicted.

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