HSA Charges 27-year-old Male for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 27-year-old male, Chan Zhi Hao Felix, in court on 20 August 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

2            On 12 August 2026, the suspect was arrested in his rental unit in Marsiling by the Police in an operation that targeted members of an unlicensed moneylending syndicate. The Police uncovered more than 300 vaporisers and related components during a search of his unit. HSA officers were alerted and took over the seized items. HSA subsequently confirmed that 56 vaporisers, 247 vaporiser pods and a vaporiser battery were seized. The suspect tested positive for etomidate in an instant urine test and admitted that he had vaped etomidate the night before his arrest. He was remanded for a week.

3            Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contain etomidate. Some of the vaporisers and pods seized were for the suspect’s personal consumption, with the majority allegedly intended for supply. Investigations are ongoing.

4            The case has been adjourned to 1 October 2026. Please refer to the Annex for the photographs of the seized items.

5         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
21 AUGUST 2026

ANNEX

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