HSA Charges 17-year-old for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 17-year-old male in court on 4 September 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

2            On 3 September 2026, the suspect was entering Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint and was directed for enhanced checks by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The ICA officers detected 14 parcels of vaporiser pods in his motorcycle and alerted HSA officers. HSA took over investigations at the scene and found that the parcels contained a total of 1,264 vaporiser pods. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. The pods were allegedly intended for supply. Investigations are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for a photograph 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 9 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 7 October 2026.

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. 

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
10 SEPTEMBER 2026

Photo credit: Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.