Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will never ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam.

Health Sciences Authority
Press Releases

HSA Charges 34-Year-Old Man for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods in Geylang

12 March 2026

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

ANNEX

seized vape pods, prescription drugs and cough syrup

Photo credit: Health Sciences Authority