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Woman Vapes on MRT, Caught with Drug-Laced Pod

 




On April 4, 2025, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced that a 24-year-old woman is assisting with investigations after a video surfaced online in March showing her vaping on board a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train in Singapore. The video, which was widely circulated on social media, drew public concern due to her erratic behavior and the open flouting of the law in a public setting.

In the video, the woman appears visibly drowsy. Her head droops forward, her hair falls over her face, and her hand movements are unsteady and jerky. She is seen adjusting her hair and exhaling smoke inside the train cabin. The footage prompted HSA to take immediate action.

HSA managed to identify the woman and subsequently conducted a raid at her residence on March 24, 2025. During the operation, authorities recovered one e-vaporiser and three e-vaporiser pods. These items were sent for laboratory analysis, which confirmed that the pods contained etomidate—a potent anaesthetic drug typically used in clinical settings for general anaesthesia or sedation during short medical procedures.

Etomidate is not a recreational substance and should only be administered under strict medical supervision due to its potential side effects. According to the HSA, improper use of etomidate can cause a range of adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, changes in respiratory and cardiovascular function, seizures, psychosis, and even physical dependency. The presence of this drug in an e-vaporiser is considered a serious health risk.

In its statement, HSA described the incident as a blatant breach of public health and safety laws. The authority emphasized that vaping remains strictly illegal in Singapore. Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, it is an offence to purchase, possess, or use e-vaporisers, regardless of whether they were obtained locally or from overseas sources, including online purchases.

Offenders caught vaping may be fined up to S$2,000. However, given that the woman’s pods contained a controlled substance, further legal consequences may apply. Etomidate is classified as a poison in Singapore, and its unauthorized possession can lead to more severe penalties under the Poisons Act. Individuals found guilty under this Act can face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

Investigations into the woman’s case are ongoing, and HSA has not disclosed whether charges have been formally filed. The case underscores the growing concern about the misuse of e-vaporisers, not just for nicotine but for potentially dangerous substances, and the challenges in curbing such activities especially when influenced by online trends or misinformation.

HSA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations related to tobacco substitutes and controlled substances. It also urged the public to refrain from using any unauthorised products and to report suspicious activities involving e-vaporisers or drug misuse.

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Location: Singapore

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