HSA Charges Five Men for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate Vaporiser Pods; One Man Caught with $870,000 Worth of Pods

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged five men from 25 August 2026 to 28 August 2026 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate vaporiser pods under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act 1993 (TVCA). Three of the five men were linked to three separate cases. The other two men, Jerome Wee Chuan Kai and Tan Si Yuan, were linked to a case related to an enforcement operation in Geylang.

2            Two men, 36-year-old Lee Chiun Yong, and 30-year-old Kalaiarasu Krishinan were charged in court on 25 August 2026 and 27 August 2026. They were caught separately at the checkpoints during routine checks.

3            Another two men, 26-year-old Jerome Wee Chuan Kai and 37-year-old Tan Si Yuan, were caught during a joint enforcement operation by the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) and HSA in Geylang.

4            A fifth man, 24-year-old Tiong Hin Yang, was caught during HSA’s raid of his residence at Bedok Reservoir.

5            Wee, Tan and Tiong were charged in court on 28 August 2026.

Checkpoint detection case: Lee Chiun Yong

6            On 23 August 2026, Lee Chiun Yong was driving into Singapore through Woodlands Checkpoint and was directed for enhanced checks by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The ICA officers detected three black bags in the rear boot which contained packets of vaporiser pods and alerted HSA officers. HSA took over investigations at the scene and seized a total of 12,415 vaporiser pods.  Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. The pods have an estimated street value of S$870,000 and were allegedly intended for supply. This is the largest seizure of etomidate pods so far. Investigations are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for the photographs of the seized items.

7            The suspect was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. The case was mentioned again in court on 1 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 13 October 2026.

Checkpoint detection case: Kalaiarasu Krishinan

8            On 25 August 2026, Kalaiarasu Krishinan was driving into Singapore through Tuas Checkpoint and was directed for enhanced checks by officers from ICA and SPF’s K-9 Unit who were conducting a joint operation. Officers found vaporiser pods in two plastic bags and alerted HSA officers. HSA took over investigations at the scene and seized a total of 3,240 vaporiser pods. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contained etomidate. The pods were allegedly intended for supply. Investigations are ongoing. Please refer to the Annex for the photographs of the seized items.

9            The suspect was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. The case was mentioned again in court on 3 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 13 October 2026.

Two caught in joint enforcement operation: Jerome Wee Chuan Kai and Tan Si Yuan

10         On 27 August 2026, SPF, CNB and HSA conducted a joint enforcement operation at Geylang. Jerome Wee Chuan Kai was found in possession of cough syrup and pills, as well as 12 vaporiser pods.  Another man, Tan Si Yuan, was found in possession of cough syrup and pills, as well as 30 vaporiser pods. He subsequently led officers to a condominium unit where they uncovered an additional 171 vaporisers and 185 vaporiser pods.

11         Both suspects were remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contain etomidate. Charges for the alleged supply of cough syrup and pills are pending further investigation. The case was mentioned again in court on 4 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 12 October 2026.

Caught during HSA enforcement operation at residence: Tiong Hin Yang

12         On 27 August 2026, HSA officers conducted an enforcement operation at Tiong Hin Yang's residence in the Bedok Reservoir area after acting on a tip-off. Two vaporisers and 53 vaporiser pods were seized.  A majority of the pods are believed to be intended for supply to other persons and investigations are ongoing.

13         The suspect was remanded for a week to assist with further investigations. Laboratory testing confirmed that the seized pods contain etomidate. The case was mentioned again in court on 4 September 2026 and has been adjourned to 13 October 2026.

14         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. 

15         HSA also takes a serious stand against illegal activities involving health products such as unregistered cough syrup and medicines. 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
4 SEPTEMBER 2026

ANNEX

Checkpoint detection case: Lee Chiun Yong

Checkpoint detection case: Kalaiarasu Krishinan

Two caught in joint enforcement operation: Jerome Wee Chuan Kai and Tan Si Yuan

Caught during HSA enforcement operation at residence: Tiong Hin Yang

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