On 21 August 2025, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released details of a major enforcement operation that exposed the growing dangers of illegal e-vaporisers, some of which contained etomidate, a substance soon to be classified as a controlled drug in Singapore. The operation stemmed from a tip-off on 22 July 2025, when a courier company reported a suspicious parcel that had been falsely declared as food items. When the recipient accidentally exposed its contents, courier staff discovered e-vaporiser pods and alerted the authorities.
HSA officers acted swiftly, raiding two separate locations in the same day. The first raid took place at a residence along Grange Road, believed to be the seller’s location. Officers uncovered a disturbing mix of illegal items: 43 e-vaporiser pods, 13 e-vaporisers, related components, and drug paraphernalia. A 25-year-old woman, identified as the seller, was found in an unresponsive state at the scene.
The second raid was conducted at a buyer’s home along Tampines Street 33. There, enforcement officers found about 0.6 grams of methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘Ice’, alongside drug paraphernalia, more than 80 heat-not-burn tobacco products, an e-vaporiser, and four e-vaporiser pods that tested positive for etomidate. Officers also seized two packets and five sticks of duty-unpaid cigarettes. Police arrested the 34-year-old man at the scene for suspected drug-related offences, while customs-related offences were referred to Singapore Customs for further action.
Both the seller and buyer are now under investigation for offences involving e-vaporisers, with suspected drug offences handled separately by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB).
HSA highlighted the serious legal consequences surrounding e-vaporisers in Singapore. The purchase, possession, or use of such products including those obtained online or from overseas is strictly prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. Individuals caught with these devices can be fined up to $2,000. Importing, distributing, or selling e-vaporisers carries heavier penalties, including fines of up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, or both for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face harsher punishments, with fines doubling to $20,000 and jail terms of up to 12 months.
The presence of etomidate in some seized pods marks a new and alarming trend. Etomidate, an anesthetic drug, will soon be listed as a Class C controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. This means that users found consuming etomidate-laced vapes will face mandatory supervision and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders could face prosecution and a minimum of one year’s imprisonment. Those involved in trafficking, importing, or selling such devices could face far heavier punishments, including up to 20 years in jail and caning.
HSA strongly urged members of the public, particularly those who may already be consuming etomidate-laced e-vaporisers, to stop immediately due to the severe health and legal risks involved. The authority stressed that enforcement operations will continue to be stepped up, but also called on the public to play their part by reporting any illegal sales or distribution of e-vaporisers.
The case underscores the seriousness of Singapore’s zero-tolerance stance on vaping and drugs. From a simple courier tip-off, enforcement officers uncovered a network involving dangerous drugs, illegal tobacco, and vapes laced with controlled substances. With investigations ongoing, this case highlights both the resourcefulness of enforcement agencies and the continued vigilance needed from the public.
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