The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has announced the re-classification of etomidate from the Poisons Act to the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). This means that users will be treated and punished as drug offenders. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also announced its full support for HSA’s crackdown on etomidate-laced vaporisers, also known as Kpod and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam also confirmed that MHA will second its officers to HSA.
What is Etomidate and Why is it a Concern?
Etomidate is primarily an anaesthetic agent used in clinical settings to induce sedation. However, Singapore has observed a recent surge in cases where etomidate is used in e-vaporisers for direct inhalation. The HSA has emphasised that the adverse effects of etomidate, particularly when inhaled, can be severe, including involuntary movements or muscle spasms, confusion, seizures, psychosis, and it can also lead to physical dependence. Reports indicate that “Kpods,” which are vape juices mixed with etomidate, have caused erratic, violent, and “zombie-like” behaviour in users. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam underscored these dangers, stating that etomidate abusers “lose control of themselves, they put themselves in dangerous positions. They become vulnerable. They become zombies”.
The serious public health and safety risks are further underlined by recent events. For instance, the discovery of etomidate in the blood samples of two individuals involved in a fatal car accident in Punggol on May 13, 2025, where over 1,200 pods (some containing etomidate) were found in their car, highlights these risks. The two people involved in the Punggol Road accident on May 13 tested positive for etomidate in their blood samples, and their vehicle contained 42 e-vaporisers and more than 1,200 pods, some with etomidate. Minister Shanmugam drew parallels between etomidate abuse and drug abuse, stating that the consequences of taking a light approach to etomidate would be multiplied severalfold compared to what is currently seen.
Current Legal Framework and Penalties
Currently, etomidate is regulated under the Poisons Act. Under this law, individuals found possessing or using pods containing etomidate face maximum penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to S$10,000.
Those convicted of importing, distributing, selling, or offering to sell vapes and their components face a maximum fine of S$10,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months for the first offence, with penalties doubled for subsequent offences.
Upcoming Changes under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA)
It is intended that Etomidate be classified as a Class C drug under the MDA. This classification places it alongside substances like mephentermine, pipradrol, and nimetazepam (Erimin-5), which, despite potential legitimate medical uses, are considered harmful when misused and warrant strict control.
This reclassification will bring about two main significant changes:
- Stiffer Penalties.
For illegal possession and use of a Class C drug, the maximum sentence will increase substantially to 10 years’ imprisonment and a S$20,000 fine. For trafficking such drugs, individuals may be jailed for up to 10 years and given five strokes of the cane. These penalties represent a significant increase compared to those under the Poisons Act.
- Mandatory Rehabilitation.
The MDA framework provides for supervision and mandatory rehabilitation for drug addicts. An addict is typically required to remain at a rehabilitation centre for 12 months, unless discharged earlier. If etomidate is listed as a Class C drug, users can be subjected to supervision and mandatory participation in a rehabilitation programme or committed to drug rehabilitation centres, similar to what drug abusers undergo. Those who re-offend or commit other serious offences can also be jailed for at least a year.
Enhanced Enforcement Efforts
The reclassification of etomidate is part of a “whole-of-government effort” to address the growing issue of etomidate-laced vapes. Various agencies, including the National Parks Board, National Environment Agency, police, HSA, and Land Transport Authority, are already coordinating enforcement efforts against e-vaporiser consumption. For cases involving drugs like etomidate, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) will be involved in a “concerted effort”.
Crucially, MHA officers will assist HSA with enforcement efforts, including the supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation of etomidate abusers. Minister Shanmugam indicated that enforcement and awareness efforts surrounding Kpods may be similar to how MHA deals with hard drugs, adding that these efforts could start in schools and with parents, given that vape users are starting at a younger age. Teachers have noted that some offenders are starting the habit as early as in primary school.
Recent enforcement actions include:
- Between January 2024 and March 2025, HSA seized more than $41 million worth of vapes and their components.
- On 9 July 2025, MOH and HSA issued a circular to public healthcare institutions, instructing them to record all suspected and confirmed etomidate-linked vaping cases and to get patients to surrender their vapes.
- On July 16, HSA announced it had taken down more than 600 Telegram groups advertising or selling vapes and Kpods to Singaporeans since April 2024.
- On July 25, the “Bin The Vape” initiative was launched, with vape disposal bins installed at 23 community clubs and one residents’ network centre allowing users to dispose of the devices without fear of punishment.
- The HSA has extended the operating hours for its hotline (6684-2036 or 6684-2037, from 9am to 9pm daily) and launched a new online portal (www.go.gov.sg/reportvape) for reporting vaping-related offences to strengthen its response.
Significance
The re-classification of etomidate means that users will be treated and punished as drug abusers, where they may face punishments such as imprisonment and caning.
Considering the many harmful side effects of etomidate, its common presence in e-vaporisers, and the growing popularity of Kpods among teenagers and young adults in Singapore, harsher penalties are deemed necessary to deter both users and dealers. The reclassification of etomidate under the MDA aims to impose more severe consequences for etomidate-related offences and enhance rehabilitation efforts. This reflects Singapore’s strong stance against drug abuse and signals its censure of the misuse of substances. In this regard, Minister Shanmugam has defended Singapore’s “tough stance” on drug control, asserting that Singapore’s streets are safer and parents feel they can raise their children in safety because of this.
This publication is not intended to be, nor should it be taken as, legal advice. It is not a substitute for specific legal advice for specific circumstances. You should not take, nor refrain from taking any action(s) based on this publication. We shall not be responsible for, nor do we accept any responsibility for, any loss or damage that may arise from any reliance on this publication.