HSA Charges 43-year-old Male for Alleged Importation of Vaporisers and Possession of Etomidate Pods for Supply Purposes

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) charged a 43-year-old male, Ng Jiaren, Kevin, in court on 9 July 2026 for the alleged importation of vaporisers and possession of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA).

2        On 6 July 2026, the suspect was detained by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) while entering Singapore through Woodlands Checkpoint. ICA officers discovered 29 vaporisers, and alerted HSA officers who took over investigations at the scene. HSA then seized another 228 vaporiser pods from the suspect’s home. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. The vaporisers and pods were allegedly intended for supply. Investigations are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for the photographs 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 16 July 2026 and has been adjourned to 25 August 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
16 JULY 2026

ANNEX

Photos are to be credited to the Health Sciences Authority, Singapore.