S’porean man, 41, allegedly sold vape to 2 people at Bukit Batok block staircase landing, Kpods seized

A 41-year-old Singaporean man was charged on Sep. 15 for trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods.

Ho Joo Hong is facing one charge under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

On Sep. 13, he was caught allegedly making transactions with two individuals at a staircase landing of an HDB block in Bukit Batok.

Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officers searched his residence and seized 24 vaporisers and 19 pods.

In charge sheets seen by Mothership, 18 vaporiser pods containing liquids were analysed and were found to contain etomidate.

They were allegedly intended for supply.

Ho was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations.

The case was mentioned again on Sep. 22.

The case has been adjourned to Nov. 3.

The other two individuals are also assisting with investigations.

Under TVCA, etomidate and its analogues are listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances in the Schedule.

Convicted importers are liable to a jail term of three to 20 years and five to 15 strokes of the cane.

Convicted suppliers are liable to two to 10 years’ jail and two to five strokes of the cane.