HSA Charges 41-year-old Male for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 41-year-old male, Ho Joo Hong, in court on 15 September 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

2       On 13 September 2026, Ho was caught making transactions with two other suspects at the staircase landing of an HDB block in Bukit Batok. HSA officers searched Ho’s residence and seized 24 vaporisers and 19 pods. Laboratory testing subsequently confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. The pods were allegedly intended for supply. Please refer to the Annex for photographs of the seized items.

3       The suspect was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. The case was mentioned again in court on 22 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 3 November 2026. The other two suspects are also assisting with investigations.

4       HSA takes a serious view of vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences. Under TVCA, etomidate and its analogues are listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances in the Schedule. Upon conviction, importers face a sentence of 3 to 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane while suppliers face a sentence of 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane.