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Health Sciences Authority
Press Releases

HSA Charges Man for Alleged Trafficking of Etomidate E-vaporiser Pods

2 October 2025

Audiences

Consumer

Healthcare professional

Industry member

Product type

Tobacco control

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The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has charged a 36-year-old man, Heng Yong Qin, in court on 2 October 2025 for the alleged trafficking of etomidate e-vaporiser pods. 

2     The man was arrested by the Police after being involved in a traffic accident outside Khatib Polyclinic in Yishun, which left two pedestrians injured on 30 September 2025. HSA seized one e-vaporiser and 33 pods that were recovered from his car. The seized pods have been tested to be positive for etomidate. 

3     The case was adjourned to 29 October 2025 and HSA’s investigations are ongoing. The accused is also investigated by the Police for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances.

4     HSA takes a serious view of e-vaporiser and etomidate trafficking offences. Importers, sellers and distributors of etomidate e-vaporisers now face stiffer penalties. This includes 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.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY

SINGAPORE

2 OCTOBER 2025

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