Press Releases
70 CASES INVESTIGATED OR PROSECUTED FOR ETOMIDATE-LACED E-VAPORISER OFFENCES
14 August 2025
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) have been intensifying enforcement actions against etomidate-laced e-vaporiser offences in Singapore.
2. As of 14 August 2025, five individuals have been charged in court for the sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers.
3. HSA is also investigating about 65 cases involving the possession, sale or importation of etomidate-laced e-vaporisers.
4. Under the Poisons Act, persons found possessing, importing or selling pods containing etomidate are liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to two years and/or fine up to $10,000.
5. Another 18 individuals are facing charges in court for offences under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA), involving the sale, advertising or import of e-vaporisers. Another 100 are under investigation for similar offences under TCASA.
6. The possession, use or purchase of e-vaporisers carries a maximum fine of $2,000 under TCASA. It is also an offence to import, distribute, sell or offer for sale e-vaporisers and their components. Any person convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of up to $10,000, or imprisonment of up to six months or both for the first offence, and a fine of up to $20,000, or imprisonment of up to 12 months or both for the second or subsequent offence. All prohibited tobacco items will be seized and confiscated.
7. Etomidate will soon be classified as a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Offenders caught using etomidate-laced e-vaporisers will be subject to mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders are liable to be prosecuted and subject to jail for at least a year. More severe penalties apply to those selling, distributing or importing these devices, including imprisonment of up to 20 years and caning.
8. Users of e-vaporisers, particularly those consuming etomidate, are strongly urged to cease consumption immediately.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
14 AUGUST 2025