HSA Charges 23-year-old Male for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 23-year-old male, Dean Daniel Ong, in court on 31 July 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

2            On 30 July 2026, HSA officers acted on a tip-off and conducted an enforcement operation at Ong's residence in the Hougang area. During the search of the unit, HSA officers seized two vaporisers and 55 pods. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. Investigations are ongoing. Refer to the Annex for photos 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 7 August 2026 and has been adjourned to 18 September 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
7 AUGUST 2026

ANNEX

All photos are to be credited to the Health Sciences Authority, Singapore