HSA Charges Man for Trafficking Etomidate Vaporiser Pods
Summary
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has charged a 34-year-old man for allegedly trafficking etomidate vaporiser pods. The charges follow an enforcement operation where HSA seized over 900 tablets, cough syrup, and etomidate-containing vaporiser pods. Stricter penalties for etomidate trafficking are in effect.
What changed
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore has charged Ng Ee Keong, Ben, with the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods. The charges stem from an enforcement operation on March 10, 2026, where HSA officers seized six vaporiser pods confirmed to contain etomidate, along with cough syrup and prescription medicines, from the accused's vehicle. The case is adjourned to April 9, 2026, with further charges pending.
This enforcement action highlights the serious view HSA takes on etomidate trafficking, especially with enhanced penalties now in effect since September 1, 2025, and upcoming changes under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) from May 1, 2026. Importers and sellers of etomidate vaporisers face significant imprisonment terms and caning. Individuals caught supplying illegal health products are liable for up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
What to do next
- Review current inventory for any etomidate-containing products.
- Ensure compliance with enhanced penalties framework for etomidate trafficking.
- Stay informed on the implementation of the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act (TVCA) from May 1, 2026.
Penalties
Importers face 3 to 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane. Sellers and distributors face 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane. Anyone caught importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products is liable on conviction to an imprisonment term for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $50,000.
Source document (simplified)
HSA Charges 34-Year-Old Man for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods in Geylang
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 34-year-old man, Ng Ee Keong, Ben, in court on 12 March 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods.
2 On the morning of 10 March 2026, HSA officers conducted an enforcement operation in Geylang and arrested the accused along Geylang Lorong 35. HSA officers found and seized six vaporiser pods, four bottles of cough syrup and prescription medicines including more than 900 tablets from Ng’s car. All the seized items were meant for sale to the customers at Geylang Lorong 35. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. Investigations are ongoing. Charges for the alleged supply of cough syrup and prescription medicines are also pending further investigation. Refer to the Annex for photo of the seized items.
3 The case has been adjourned to 9 April 2026.
4 HSA takes a serious view of vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences. Under the current enhanced penalties framework that took effect on 1 September 2025, importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate vaporisers face stiffer penalties. These include 3 to 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane for importers, and 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane for sellers and distributors.
5 From 1 May 2026, the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA) will come into force. Under TVCA, etomidate and its analogues will be listed as Specified Psychoactive Substances (SPS), which will be specified in a new Schedule. The penalties related to vaporisers containing SPS are aligned with the relevant penalties in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1973 under the current enforcement framework. Importers face 3 to 20 years’ imprisonment and 5 to 15 strokes of the cane. Suppliers face 2 to 10 years’ imprisonment and 2 to 5 strokes of the cane.
6 Anyone caught importing, manufacturing and/or supplying illegal health products is liable on conviction to an imprisonment term for up to 2 years and/or fined up to $50,000. ****
HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY SINGAPORE 12 MARCH 2026
Consumer, Healthcare professional, Industry member, Tobacco control Published:
12 Mar 2026
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12 Mar 2026
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