HSA Investigates Public Vaping Incidents; Etomidate-laced E-vaporisers Seized

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is investigating two cases of vaping. E-vaporisers seized from one of the offenders and a seller was tested to contain etomidate, a potent medicinal ingredient that should only be used under medical supervision.

2        On 24 April, the HSA was alerted to a case involving a girl who behaved erratically while vaping in public outside the State Courts. She was unsteady in gait and appeared to be oblivious of her surroundings; a sign of possible drug intoxication. HSA identified the 13-year-old girl and raided her residence. HSA has seized one e-vaporiser that has been tested to contain etomidate.

3        HSA also swiftly identified and caught the person who sold the e-vaporiser to the girl. One e-vaporiser and three pods seized from the seller were also found to contain etomidate. The 13-year-old girl, the 25-year-old male seller and his 26-year-old wife are assisting in the investigation.

4        Etomidate is a medicinal ingredient used in clinical practice as an anaesthetic agent. It should only be administered under medical supervision. Adverse effects of etomidate include nausea and vomiting, uncontrollable movement or spasm of muscles, changes to breathing and blood pressure, seizures and psychosis as well as physical dependence.

5        In a separate incident, HSA has identified a 36-year-old man who was filmed vaping on an MRT train in a social media video posted on 18 April 2025. HSA raided the man’s residence and no e-vaporiser was found. The man claimed that he had thrown away his e-vaporiser. HSA is investigating the case.

Penalties for e-vaporiser offences in Singapore

6       The purchase, possession and use of e-vaporisers are prohibited in Singapore under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. This includes purchases made through the Internet and from overseas. HSA takes a serious view of these offences and will take stern action against those who violate the law. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000.

7        Those found possessing or using pods containing etomidate are also liable upon conviction to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or fine up to $10,000 under the Poisons Act.

Consumer advisory

8        Information about the harms of e-vaporisers is available on the HealthHub website. Information pertaining to prohibited tobacco products in Singapore is available on the HSA website. Smokers who need help with quitting can call the Health Promotion Board’s toll-free Quitline at 1800-438-2000.

9        Members of the public who have information on the illegal import, distribution, sale or offer for sale of e-vaporisers can contact the Tobacco Regulation Branch at Tel: 6684 2036 or 6684 2037 during office hours (9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday).

10       Those who witness vaping activities can voluntarily assist in HSA in our enforcement efforts if they are able to, by submitting clear, full-frontal photographs or videos of the offenders to hsa_trb@hsa.gov.sg. They should provide the location, date and time the incident was observed. Such evidence will be useful to help HSA identify and take action against offenders.

HEALTH SCIENCES AUTHORITY
SINGAPORE
13 MAY 2025

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